Identifying a resource for transmitting a first uplink channel

ABSTRACT

For transmitting an uplink channel, one apparatus includes a processor and a transceiver that that communicates with a base unit in a mobile communication network. The processor receives first scheduling information to transmit a first uplink channel on a first uplink resource in a slot and receives second scheduling information to transmit a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in the slot. Here, the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource at least partially overlap in the time domain, wherein the first scheduling information is received later than the second scheduling information and the second uplink resource is larger than the first uplink resource in the time domain. The processor transmits the first uplink channel on the first uplink resource including the overlap time and transmits the second uplink channel on a part of the second uplink resource excluding at least the overlap time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent applicationSer. No. 15/804,947 entitled “Identifying a Resource for Transmitting aFirst Uplink Channel” and filed on Nov. 6, 2017 for Hyejung Jung,Ravikiran Nory, and Vijay Nangia, and to U.S. Provisional Patentapplication Ser. No. 62/418,010 entitled “Methods to multiplex physicalchannel and signals for flexible radio communication” and filed on Nov.4, 2016 for Hyejung Jung, Ravikiran Nory, and Vijay Nangia, whichapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to wirelesscommunications and more particularly relates to communicating ashort-duration uplink channel, such as PUCCH or PUSCH.

BACKGROUND

The following abbreviations and acronyms are herewith defined, at leastsome of which are referred to within the following description.

Third Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”), Access and MobilityManagement Function (“AMF”), Carrier Aggregation (“CA”), Clear ChannelAssessment (“CCA”), Control Channel Element (“CCE”), Channel StateInformation (“CSI”), Common Search Space (“CSS”), Downlink ControlInformation (“DCI”), Downlink (“DL”), Enhanced Clear Channel Assessment(“eCCA”), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (“eMBB”), Evolved Node B (“eNB”),European Telecommunications Standards Institute (“ETSI”), Frame BasedEquipment (“FBE”), Frequency Division Duplex (“FDD”), Frequency DivisionMultiple Access (“FDMA”), Frequency Resource Unit (“FRU”), Guard Period(“GP”), Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (“HARQ”), Internet-of-Things(“IoT”), Key Performance Indicators (“KPI”), Licensed Assisted Access(“LAA”), Load Based Equipment (“LBE”), Listen-Before-Talk (“LBT”), LongTerm Evolution (“LTE”), LTA Advanced (“LTE-A”), Medium Access Control(“MAC”), Multiple Access (“MA”), Modulation Coding Scheme (“MC S”),Machine Type Communication (“MTC”), Massive MTC (“mMTC”), Multiple InputMultiple Output (“MIMO”), Multipath TCP (“MPTCP”), Multi User SharedAccess (“MUSA”), Narrowband (“NB”), Network Function (“NF”), NextGeneration Node B (“gNB”), Policy Control & Charging (“PCC”), PolicyControl Function (“PCF”), Quality of Service (“QoS”), Quadrature PhaseShift Keying (“QPSK”), Resource Block (“RB”), Radio Resource Control(“RRC”), Receive (“RX”), Switching/Splitting Function (“SSF”),Scheduling Request (“SR”), Session Management Function (“SMF”), SystemInformation Block (“SIB”), Transport Block (“TB”), Transport Block Size(“TB S”), Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”), Time-Division Duplex(“TDD”), Time Division Multiplex (“TDM”), Time Resource Unit (“TRU”),Transmission and Reception Point (“TRP”), Transmit (“TX”), UplinkControl Information (“UCI”), User Datagram Protocol (“UDP”), UserEntity/Equipment (Mobile Terminal) (“UE”), Uplink (“UL”), PhysicalDownlink Control Channel (“PDCCH”), Physical Downlink Shared Channel(“PDSCH”), Physical Uplink Control Channel (“PUCCH”), Physical UplinkShared Channel (“PUSCH”), Physical Resource Block (“PRB”), UniversalMobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”), Ultra-reliability andLow-latency Communications (“URLLC”), and Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (“WiMAX”).

In an LTE mobile communication network, a user equipment (“UE”)transmits uplink control messages on a physical uplink control channel(“PUCCH”). The PUCCH carries uplink control information (“UCI”) such asHARQ-ACK feedback, scheduling request (“SR”), and channel stateinformation (“CSI”), and generally spans the entire subframe duration(i.e. 1 millisecond or 14 OFDM symbol durations).

The long transmission time of LTE PUCCH is not suitable to achieve HARQround trip time (RTT) as short as 1 slot period in fifth generationradio access (e.g., 1 ms or 0.5 ms). Moreover, for low-latencycommunication, DL-to-UL switching may occur in every slot (e.g., 7 or 14OFDM symbols). Thus, a guard period (“GP”) based on the maximum expectedpropagation delay in a cell would lead a very high GP overhead.Considering that the minimum GP in LTE TDD is one OFDM symbol period,the minimum GP overhead with 1 ms switching cycle is 14% or 7%, i.e. 1symbol GP out of every 7 or 14 symbols.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Methods for communicating a short-duration uplink channel are disclosed.Apparatuses and systems also perform the functions of the methods.

One method of a UE for transmitting uplink channel includes receivingfirst scheduling information to transmit a first uplink channel on afirst uplink resource in a slot and receiving second schedulinginformation to transmit a second uplink channel on a second uplinkresource in the slot. Here, the first uplink resource and the seconduplink resource at least partially overlap in the time domain.Additionally, the first scheduling information is received later thanthe second scheduling information and the second uplink resource islarger than the first uplink resource in the time domain. The firstmethod includes transmitting the first and second uplink channels,including transmitting the first uplink channel on the first uplinkresource including the overlap time and transmitting a part of thesecond uplink channel on a part of the second uplink resource excludingat least the overlap time.

Another method of a UE for transmitting uplink channel includesreceiving first scheduling information to transmit a first uplinkchannel on a first uplink resource in a slot and receiving secondscheduling information to transmit a second uplink channel on a seconduplink resource in the slot. Here, the first uplink resource and thesecond uplink resource at least partially overlap in the time domain,wherein the second uplink resource is larger than the first uplinkresource in the time domain. The second method includes transmitting thefirst and second uplink channels during the overlap time. Here, the UEsupports transmissions with more than one transmit antenna panel at agiven time instance, wherein the first uplink channel is transmittedwith a first transmit antenna panel and the second uplink channel istransmitted with a second transmit antenna panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the embodiments briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only some embodiments and are not therefore to be considered tobe limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of awireless communication system for communicating a short-duration uplinkchannel;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a networkarchitecture for communicating a short-duration uplink channel;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a userequipment transmitting uplink control messages to multiple transmissionand reception points (“TRPs”);

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of auser equipment apparatus for communicating a short-duration uplinkchannel;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of abase station apparatus for communicating a short-duration uplinkchannel;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of communicationbetween a gNB and a UE, with the UE transmitting a short-duration uplinkchannel;

FIG. 7A is a block diagram illustrating embodiments of reference signalstime-division multiplexed with corresponding data channels or controlchannels;

FIG. 7B is a block diagram illustrating more embodiments of referencesignals time-division multiplexed with corresponding data channels orcontrol channels;

FIG. 7C is a block diagram illustrating embodiments of a mix ofreference signals frequency-division multiplexed and time-divisionmultiplexed with corresponding data channels or control channels;

FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating more embodiments of a mix of referencesignals frequency-division multiplexed and time-division multiplexedwith corresponding data channels or control channels;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating multi-slot scheduling between a gNB anda UE;

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating uplink control message timing formulti-slot scheduling between a gNB and a UE, with the UE transmitting ashort-duration uplink channel;

FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating uplink control message collision formulti-slot scheduling between a gNB and a UE, with the UE transmitting ashort-duration uplink channel;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a methodfor transmitting a short-duration uplink channel;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a methodfor transmitting an uplink channel; and

FIG. 12 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of anothermethod for transmitting an uplink channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of theembodiments may be embodied as a system, apparatus, method, or programproduct. Accordingly, embodiments may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects.

For example, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented as a hardwarecircuit comprising custom very-large-scale integration (“VLSI”) circuitsor gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips,transistors, or other discrete components. The disclosed embodiments mayalso be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as fieldprogrammable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logicdevices, or the like. As another example, the disclosed embodiments mayinclude one or more physical or logical blocks of executable code whichmay, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function.

Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of a program product embodiedin one or more computer readable storage devices storing machinereadable code, computer readable code, and/or program code, referredhereafter as code. The storage devices may be tangible, non-transitory,and/or non-transmission. The storage devices may not embody signals. Ina certain embodiment, the storage devices only employ signals foraccessing code.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium may be utilized.The computer readable medium may be a computer readable storage medium.The computer readable storage medium may be a storage device storing thecode. The storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic,micromechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or anysuitable combination of the foregoing.

More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the storage devicewould include the following: an electrical connection having one or morewires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random-access memory(“RAM”), a read-only memory (“ROM”), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (“EPROM” or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-onlymemory (“CD-ROM”), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device,or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of thisdocument, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible mediumthat can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughoutthis specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the sameembodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unlessexpressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,”“having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,”unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of itemsdoes not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive,unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the”also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein, a list with a conjunction of “and/or” includes anysingle item in the list or a combination of items in the list. Forexample, a list of A, B and/or C includes only A, only B, only C, acombination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A andC or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using theterminology “one or more of” includes any single item in the list or acombination of items in the list. For example, one or more of A, B and Cincludes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combinationof B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. Asused herein, a list using the terminology “one of includes one and onlyone of any single item in the list. For example, “one of A, B and C”includes only A, only B or only C and excludes combinations of A, B andC. As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B,and C,” includes one and only one of A, B, or C, and excludescombinations of A, B, and C.” As used herein, “a member selected fromthe group consisting of A, B, and C and combinations thereof” includesonly A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B andC, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the followingdescription, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples ofprogramming, software modules, user selections, network transactions,database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardwarecircuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding ofembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however,that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of anembodiment.

Aspects of the embodiments are described below with reference toschematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams of methods,apparatuses, systems, and program products according to embodiments. Itwill be understood that each block of the schematic flowchart diagramsand/or schematic block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theschematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams, can beimplemented by code. This code may be provided to a processor of ageneral-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer orother programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the schematic flowchartdiagrams and/or schematic block diagrams.

The code may also be stored in a storage device that can direct acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devicesto function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored inthe storage device produce an article of manufacture includinginstructions which implement the function/act specified in the schematicflowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams.

The code may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operationalsteps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, orother devices to produce a computer implemented process such that thecode which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatusprovide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in theschematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagram.

The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in theFigures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation ofpossible implementations of apparatuses, systems, methods, and programproducts according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block inthe schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams mayrepresent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one ormore executable instructions of the code for implementing the specifiedlogical function(s).

It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in theFigures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalentin function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks, or portionsthereof, of the illustrated Figures.

The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements ofproceeding figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures,including alternate embodiments of like elements.

In a wireless communication system, a slot can be defined as a time unitwhich consists of one or more symbols, e.g., orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing (“OFDM”) or discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM(“DFT-S-OFDM”) symbols. A transmission time interval (“TTI”) refers tothe duration in which the UE can receive/transmit a transport block(“TB”) from higher layers. In fifth generation (“5G”) radio accesstechnology (“RAT”), multiple TTIs within a slot or concatenated slots,flexible timing relationship between scheduling grant signaling andactual transmission/reception, and flexible hybrid automatic repeatrequest-acknowledgement (“HARQ-ACK”) feedback timing may need to besupported, considering various services requirements (e.g., latency,reliability, data rate), UE types, deployment scenarios (e.g.,unlicensed bands), and power-efficient UE operation (e.g., operatingbandwidth adaptation), etc.

For low-latency operation, a user equipment (“UE”) may perform downlink(“DL”) reception and corresponding HARQ-ACK feedback transmission, orreception of an uplink (“UL”) scheduling grant and corresponding ULtransmission within a slot duration (so called, self-containedoperation). To enable this in Time Division Duplex (“TDD”) systems, alow-latency slot (also referred to as a “self-contained” slot) whichconsists of DL transmission, guard, and UL transmission regions may bedefined. In addition, for both Frequency Division Duplex (“FDD”) andTDD, DL physical control channels (e.g., PDCCH) may be placed in a frontpart of the slot, and uplink physical control channels (e.g., PUCCH) maybe placed in a last part of the slot.

Disclosed herein are methods to enable low-latency communication withlow guard period (“GP”) overhead, to multiplex physical channels forsupporting communications with various latency requirements concurrently(e.g., mixed low-latency traffic and normal traffic), and to use bothshort physical uplink control channels (“PUCCH”) and long PUCCH. As usedherein, “short” PUCCH refers to a PUCCH that spans one or two OFDMsymbols in the slot. In contrast, a “long” PUCCH refers to a PUCCH thatspans more than two symbols of the slot. Generally, the long PUCCH spansthe entire slot (just like an LTE PUCCH); however, a long PUCCH may beshorter than the entire slot, e.g., to allow for narrowband retuning ina band-limited UE and/or for transmission of sounding reference signals(“SRS”). A UE may multiplex short PUCCH and long PUCCH based on UEbeamforming architectures/hardware capability and deployment scenarios.

FIG. 1 depicts a wireless communication system 100 for communicating ashort-duration uplink channel, according to embodiments of thedisclosure. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100includes at least one remote unit 105, an access network 120 containingat least one base unit 110, wireless communication links 115, and amobile core network 130. Even though a specific number of remote units105, access networks 120, base units 110, wireless communication links115, and mobile core networks 130 are depicted in FIG. 1, one of skillin the art will recognize that any number of remote units 105, accessnetworks 120, base units 110, wireless communication links 115, andmobile core networks 130 may be included in the wireless communicationsystem 100. In another embodiment, the access network 120 contains oneor more WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi™) access points.

In one implementation, the wireless communication system 100 iscompliant with the 5G system specified in the 3GPP specifications (e.g.,“5G NR”). More generally, however, the wireless communication system 100may implement some other open or proprietary communication network, forexample, LTE or WiMAX, among other networks. The present disclosure isnot intended to be limited to the implementation of any particularwireless communication system architecture or protocol.

In one embodiment, the remote units 105 may include computing devices,such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants(“PDAs”), tablet computers, smart phones, smart televisions (e.g.,televisions connected to the Internet), smart appliances (e.g.,appliances connected to the Internet), set-top boxes, game consoles,security systems (including security cameras), vehicle on-boardcomputers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, modems), or thelike. In some embodiments, the remote units 105 include wearabledevices, such as smart watches, fitness bands, optical head-mounteddisplays, or the like. Moreover, the remote units 105 may be referred toas subscriber units, mobiles, mobile stations, users, terminals, mobileterminals, fixed terminals, subscriber stations, UE, user terminals, adevice, or by other terminology used in the art. The remote units 105may communicate directly with one or more of the base units 110 viauplink (“UL”) and downlink (“DL”) communication signals. Furthermore,the UL and DL communication signals may be carried over the wirelesscommunication links 115.

The base units 110 may be distributed over a geographic region. Incertain embodiments, a base unit 110 may also be referred to as anaccess terminal, an access point, a base, a base station, a Node-B, aneNB, a gNB, a Home Node-B, a relay node, a device, or by any otherterminology used in the art. The base units 110 are generally part of aradio access network (“RAN”), such as the access network 120, that mayinclude one or more controllers communicably coupled to one or morecorresponding base units 110. These and other elements of the radioaccess network are not illustrated, but are well known generally bythose having ordinary skill in the art. The base units 110 connect tothe mobile core network 130 via the access network 120.

The base units 110 may serve a number of remote units 105 within aserving area, for example, a cell or a cell sector via a wirelesscommunication link 115. The base units 110 may communicate directly withone or more of the remote units 105 via communication signals.Generally, the base units 110 transmit downlink (“DL”) communicationsignals to serve the remote units 105 in the time, frequency, and/orspatial domain. Furthermore, the DL communication signals may be carriedover the wireless communication links 115. The wireless communicationlinks 115 may be any suitable carrier in licensed or unlicensed radiospectrum. The wireless communication links 115 facilitate communicationbetween one or more of the remote units 105 and/or one or more of thebase units 110.

In one embodiment, the mobile core network 130 is a 5G core (“5GC”) orthe evolved packet core (“EPC”), which may be coupled to other datanetwork 125, like the Internet and private data networks, among otherdata networks. Each mobile core network 130 belongs to a single publicland mobile network (“PLMN”). The present disclosure is not intended tobe limited to the implementation of any particular wirelesscommunication system architecture or protocol.

The mobile core network 130 includes several network functions (“NFs”).As depicted, the mobile core network 130 includes an access and mobilitymanagement function (“AMF”) 135, a session management function (“SMF”)140, and a user plane function (“UPF”) 145. Although a specific numberof AMFs 135, SMFs 140, and UPFs 145 are depicted in FIG. 1, one of skillin the art will recognize that any number and type of network functionmay be included in the mobile core network 130.

The AMF 135 provides services such as UE registration, UE connectionmanagement, and UE mobility management. The SMF 140 manages the datasessions of the remote units 105, such as a PDU session. The UPF 145provides user plane (e.g., data) services to the remote units 105. Adata connection between the remote unit 105 and a data network 125 ismanaged by a UPF 145.

The RAN 120 supports two types of UL physical control channels (e.g.,PUCCH): a short control channel (e.g., short PUCCH) placed in a lastpart of a slot (e.g., the final one or two symbol periods of the slot),and a long control channel (e.g., long PUCCH) which spans over the slot.In certain embodiments, the long control channel may occupy less thanthe entire slot, but more than half the slot duration. Similarly, ashort physical uplink data channel (e.g., short PUSCH) may be frequencydivision multiplexed with the short PUCCH in the same symbol(s). Theshort PUCCH frequency division multiplexed with short PUSCH is referredto herein as “short PUCCH/PUSCH”. Additionally, a long physical datachannel (e.g., long PUSCH) may be defined which spans over the slot or asignificant portion of the slot duration (e.g., more than two symbols).

The short control channel (e.g., short PUCCH) may be used fortransmission of scheduling request (“SR”), a small number of HARQ-ACKbits (e.g., up to 8 bits of HARQ-ACK feedback), and a limited CSI reportfor non-power limited remote units 105 (e.g., an indication on change ofthe best DL beam). In contrast, the long control channel (e.g., longPUCCH) is used for transmission of the full CSI report (e.g., theinterference measurement and report with multiple interferencehypotheses). The long control channel is also used to transmit a largernumber of HARQ-ACK bits, e.g., from slot aggregation and/or carrieraggregation. Moreover, the long control channel is used by power-limitedremote units 105.

In certain embodiments, the remote units 105 always transmits the shortcontrol channel (e.g., short PUCCH or short PUCCH/PUSCH) using an OFDMwaveform. In some embodiments, the long PUCCH (or long PUSCH) istransmitted using either an OFDM waveform or a DFT-S-OFDM waveform.Here, a remote unit 105 may be configured by the RAN 120 to use eitherthe OFDM waveform or DFT-S-OFDM waveform when transmitting long PUCCHsor long PUSCHs, for example the waveform being selected based on thecell or TRP measurements, such as the reference signal received power(“RSRP”). In other embodiments, the RAN 120 dynamically indicates to theremote unit 105 whether to use an OFDM waveform or DFT-S-OFDM waveformfor long PUCCH (or long PUSCH). Here, the dynamic indication may be anexplicit parameter or element in the DCI or may be implicitly signaledto the remote unit 105. Moreover, the waveform used for the longPUCCH/PUSCH may depend on the target TRP, as discussed below withreference to FIG. 3.

For resource allocation of short control channels (e.g., short PUCCHs),the RAN 120 may allocate a set of subcarriers (or a set of resourceblocks) as a short PUCCH region. Moreover, the RAN 120 may dynamicallyindicate in DCI (e.g., indicate with each DCI) the allocated set to theremote unit 105, wherein the remote unit 105 determines the particularresource to use for short PUCCH via implicit signaling. This hybridapproach to determine the short PUCCH resource can reduce the DCIsignaling overhead, and yet can provide flexibility in scheduling oflong PUCCH/PUSCH. In certain embodiments, the DCI may indicate aspecific resource to use for PUCCH from a preconfigured set ofresources.

In certain embodiments, the remote unit 105 receives a downlinkresource/scheduling assignment message assigning multiple time resourceunits (“TRUs”) and multiple frequency resource units (“FRUs”) for datareception. The remote unit 105 then determines a set of transport blocks(TBs) corresponding to the received resource assignment, and determiningan ending time resource unit corresponding to each TB of the set of TBs.In one embodiment, the received resource assignment corresponds to asingle large TB. In another embodiment, the received resource assignmentcorresponds to multiple smaller TBs.

The remote unit 105 transmits HARQ-ACK feedback corresponding to each TBin the set of TBs. In some embodiments, the remote unit 105 determinesan uplink resource for transmission of the HARQ-ACK at least based onthe ending TRU of the corresponding TB and the FRUs of the correspondingTB. In one embodiment, the uplink resource, for example, uplink PRB(s)and/or a sequence(s), used for transmission of the HARQ-ACK is based onthe index of the first assigned FRU of the corresponding TB. In certainembodiments, the FRU is resource block comprising 12 subcarriers.Moreover, the TRU may be a slot comprising an integer number of (one ormore) OFDM symbols.

In some embodiments, the remote unit 105 receives a higher layer messageconfiguring HARQ-ACK resources and further receives an indication in theDL scheduling/assignment message, wherein the remote unit 105 determinesthe resource used for transmission of the HARQ-ACK based on theindication and the higher layer message. For example, the indication maysignal the remote unit 105 to use a resource identified based on theTRUs and FRUs of the corresponding TB. As another example, theindication may signal the remote unit 105 to use a specific resource ofthe configured HARQ-ACK resources. In yet another example, theindication may be an offset and may signal the remote unit 105 to use aresource an indicated offset away from the resource identified based onthe TRUs and FRUs of the corresponding TB.

In some embodiments, the RAN 120 operates with “paired spectrum” withone carrier dedicated for the downlink and another carrier dedicated forthe uplink. In other embodiments, the RAN 120 operates with unpairedspectrum, such that there are no frequencies (e.g., subcarriers)dedicated solely to the downlink and no frequencies/subcarriersdedicated solely to the uplink. In such embodiments, the RAN 120 mayemploy the entire frequency range of the carrier to downlinkcommunications during a first time period and then employ the entirefrequency range of the carrier to uplink communications during a secondtime period. Moreover, the downlink time period and uplink time periodare separated by a guard period, i.e., a time when no communicationoccur.

In certain embodiments, for a cell with unpaired spectrum, the RAN 120sets a guard period shorter than the symbol duration of a data channel.Doing so allows the RAN 120 to use the remaining time of the symbolduration of the data channel for transmission/reception of ademodulation reference signal (“DM RS”) of the data channel. To make theDM RS of the data channel be transmitted/received withshorter-than-normal duration, the DM RS uses a larger subcarrier spacingthan a subcarrier spacing of the data channel. For example, if thenormal subcarrier spacing of the data channel is 15 kHz, then the DM RSmay be transmitted for half the normal symbol length using a subcarrierspacing of 30 kHz. Moreover, the DM RS may be time division multiplexedwith the data channel or with a control channel. Here, the data/controlchannel may support both OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM waveforms in the uplink.Time division multiplexing of DM RS and data/control channels aredescribed in further detail below, with reference to FIG. 7A-7D.

FIG. 2 depicts a network architecture 200 used for communicating ashort-duration uplink channel, according to embodiments of thedisclosure. The network architecture 200 may be a simplified embodimentof the wireless communication system 100. As depicted, the networkarchitecture 200 includes a UE 205 in communication with a gNB 210. TheUE 205 may be one embodiment of a remote unit 105 and the gNB 210 may beone embodiment of the base unit 110, described above.

As depicted, the gNB 210 sends, on the downlink, various control and/ordata signals to the UE 205 (see block 215). The UE 205 determines tosend short PUCCH or short PUCCH/PUSCH and identifies an uplink resource(see block 220). Then UE 205 then transmits a short PUCCH (or shortPUCCH multiplexed with short PUSCH, e.g., short PUCCH/PUSCH) on theidentified uplink resource. As described above, the gNB 210 may assignan uplink resource to the UE 205 to use in transmitting the short PUCCHor PUCCH/PUSCH. In one embodiment, the gNB 210 assigns the UE 205 anuplink resource when sending a downlink resource assignment message.

Downlink control channel overhead may be reduced by the UE 205 usingimplicit signaling to identify a slot and resource block(s) to use forshort PUCCH or short PUCCH/PUSCH. In such embodiments, the remote unit105, when given a downlink resource assignment, may determine TBscorresponding to the resource assignment. The remote unit thendetermines the ending time-resource unit (e.g., symbol) corresponding toeach TB. The remote unit 105 transmits its HARQ-ACK feedback at a timebased on at least the ending TRU of the TB. In one embodiment, the UE205 selects an uplink resource, for example, uplink PRBs and/or asequence(s), for transmitting the HARQ-ACK feedback based on the FRU(s)corresponding to the TB. In another embodiment, the UE 205 selects theuplink resource for transmitting the HARQ-ACK feedback based onindicators in the downlink resource assignment message.

In one embodiment, the gNB 210 configures the UE 205 with a set ofHARQ-ACK resources to use with low-latency communications (e.g., fortransmitting HARQ-ACK feedback on short PUCCH). For example, the UE 205may be configured via RRC signaling with the set of HARQ-ACK resources.Thereafter, the UE 205 selects a particular HARQ-ACK resource, choosingfrom one of the multiple HARQ-ACK resources based on the above criteria,referred to as “implicit determination.” In certain embodiments, the gNB210 may override the implicit determination of HARQ-ACK resources bysending, e.g., in DCI, an indication of a particular HARQ-ACK resourceto use.

For example, the gNB 210 may include a two-bit information element orfield in DCI, where a value of ‘00’ indicates that the UE 205 is to usethe resource indicated by implicit determination, a value of ‘01’indicates the UE 205 is to use a resource a first offset away from theimplicitly determined resource, a value of ‘10’ indicates the UE 205 isto use a resource a second offset away from the implicitly determinedresource, and a value of ‘11’ indicates the UE 205 is to use a resourcea third offset away from the implicitly determined resource. In otherembodiments, the values ‘01’, ‘10’, and ‘11’ may point to specificHARQ-ACK resources, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 9B.

In some embodiments, a mobile communication network may dynamicallydetermine and signal, in slot n, radio resources (e.g., subcarrierallocation) of short PUCCH/PUSCH for slot n, considering otherpre-scheduled long PUSCH/PUCCH transmission in slot n. (e.g., the ULdata or a full/periodic CSI report). Dynamically adapting shortPUCCH/PUSCH resources allows flexible scheduling of long PUSCH/PUCCH andenables efficient resource utilization. In case that there is no DLregion in slot n, e.g. UL only slot for non-paired spectrum, subcarrierallocation of short PUCCH/PUSCH for slot n can be indicated in a slotn-k which includes a DL region, is prior to but closest to slot n.

In one embodiment, both short PUCCH and short PUSCH resources for slot nmay be dynamically signaled via DCI in slot n (or in slot n-k if thereis no DL region in slot n). The resource of short PUCCH for HARQ-ACKfeedback may be indicated in DCI scheduling a corresponding DL datachannel, if the DL scheduling DCI is transmitted in slot n or slot n-k.

In some embodiments, the UE 205 communicates using a first transmissiondirection in a first OFDM symbol. Here, the first OFDM symbolcorresponds to a first subcarrier spacing value. The UE 205 alsocommunicates using a second transmission direction using a second OFDMsymbol. Here, the second OFDM symbol corresponds to a second subcarrierspacing value. Moreover, the second OFDM symbol occurs immediatelyfollowing a communication gap (e.g., guard period) between the first andsecond OFDM symbols.

Additionally, the UE 205 communicates using the second transmissiondirection in a third OFDM symbol. Here, the third OFDM symbolcorresponds to the first subcarrier spacing value. Moreover, the thirdOFDM symbol immediately follows the second OFDM symbol. In certainembodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value is an integer multiple(e.g., twice) of the first subcarrier spacing value.

In one embodiment, the first transmission direction is downlink, and thesecond transmission direction is uplink. Additionally, the second OFDMsymbols may contain a reference signal, and the third OFDM symbol maycontain data. In such an embodiment, the UE 205 receives, e.g., downlinkdata, in the first OFDM symbol, switches to uplink communication (e.g.,during the gap period), sends the reference signal in the second OFDMsymbol, and transmits, e.g., UCI, in the third OFDM symbol.

In another embodiment, the first transmission direction is uplink, andthe second transmission direction is downlink. Additionally, the secondOFDM symbols may contain a reference signal, and the third OFDM symbolmay contain data. In such an embodiment, the UE 205 transmits, e.g.,uplink data, in the first OFDM symbol, switches to downlinkcommunication (e.g., during the gap period), receives the referencesignal in the second OFDM symbol, and receives, e.g., DCI, in the thirdOFDM symbol.

FIG. 3 depicts a network 300 where a UE 205 transmits uplink controlmessages to multiple TRPs. The network 300 may be one embodiment of thesystem 100 described above. Here, the UE 205 is concurrently connectedto a macro base station (“macro BS”) 310 and one or more low-power nodes315. In this situation, the uplink reception point may be dynamicallychanged among the macro BS 310 and low-power nodes 315. Here, the macroBS 310 and the low-power nodes 315 may be embodiments of the base units110. In the depicted embodiment, the UE 205 transmits the longPUCCH/PUSCH 320 using a DFT-S-OFDM waveform. Moreover, the UE transmitsthe short PUCCH/PUSCH 325 using an OFDM waveform. While the UE 205 isdepicted as transmitting the long PUCCH/PUSCH 320 to the macro BS 310and the short PUCCH/PUSCH 325 to the low power node 315, in otherembodiments the UE 205 transmits a long PUCCH/PUSCH to a low-power node315 and a short PUCCH/PUSCH to the macro BS 310.

From a network (system) perspective, long and short PUCCHs may bemultiplexed in a given slot. For a given UE 205, the UE can beconfigured with using both long and short PUCCHs, unless it is intransmit (Tx) power-limited conditions for all serving TRPs (e.g., forboth the macro BS 310 and the low-power nodes 315).

In some embodiments, the UE 205 always transmits the short PUCCH/PUSCHusing an OFDM waveform. In certain embodiments, the UE 205 transmits thelong PUCCH/PUSCH using either an OFDM waveform or a DFT-S-OFDM waveform.In one embodiment, the UE 205 may be configured (e.g., by higher layersignaling from a network function) to use either a OFDM or DFT-S-OFDMwaveform, based on a cell (or TRP) measurement/report, such as referencesignal received power. In another embodiment, the UE 205 receives anindication in DCI instructing it to use either the OFDM or DFT-S-OFDMwaveform for long PUCCH/PUSCH. Here, the DCI may indicate which waveformto use for long PUCCH/PUSCH using either with an explicit parameter inthe DCI or an implicit indication. Moreover, the DCI may dynamicallyindicate the waveform based on a target TRP of the long PUCCH/PUSCH. Insome embodiments, the UE 205 is configured (or signaled) to use the OFDMwaveform when transmitting the long uplink control channel to thelow-power nodes 315 and to use the DFT-S-OFDM waveform when transmittingthe long uplink control channel to the macro BS. In other embodiments,the UE 205 is configured to always use the DFT-S-OFDM waveform whentransmitting the long PUCCH/PUSCH.

In some embodiments, the UE 205 may require transmitting both long PUCCH(or long PUSCH) and short PUCCH in the same slot, such that the longPUCCH (or long PUSCH) and the short PUCCH partially overlap in time. Forexample, the UE 205 may be scheduled with uplink resources to transmit along PUCCH and may also receive low-latency downlink data requiring itto transmit a short PUCCH with HARQ-ACK feedback.

Depending on the hardware capability of the UE 205 and various networkdeployment scenarios, the UE 205 may transmit the long PUCCH/PUSCHexcept during the overlapping time duration and transmit the short PUCCHduring the overlapping time duration. Where supported, the UE 205 mayinstead transmit the long PUCCH/PUSCH including during the overlappingtime duration and the short PUCCH during the overlapping time duration.Moreover, the UE 205 may transmit the long PUCCH/PUSCH and the shortPUCCH with different transmit beamforming weights, as discussed furtherbelow with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a user equipment apparatus 400 that maybe used for communicating a short-duration uplink channel, according toembodiments of the disclosure. The user equipment apparatus 400 may beone embodiment of the remote unit 105 and/or UE 205. Furthermore, theuser equipment apparatus 400 may include a processor 405, a memory 410,an input device 415, a display 420, and a transceiver 425. In someembodiments, the input device 415 and the display 420 are combined intoa single device, such as a touch screen. In certain embodiments, theuser equipment apparatus 400 may not include any input device 415 and/ordisplay 420.

The processor 405, in one embodiment, may include any known controllercapable of executing computer-readable instructions and/or capable ofperforming logical operations. For example, the processor 405 may be amicrocontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (“CPU”), agraphics processing unit (“GPU”), an auxiliary processing unit, a fieldprogrammable gate array (“FPGA”), or similar programmable controller. Insome embodiments, the processor 405 executes instructions stored in thememory 410 to perform the methods and routines described herein. Theprocessor 405 is communicatively coupled to the memory 410, the inputdevice 415, the display 420, and the transceiver 425.

In some embodiments, the transceiver 425 receives a downlink schedulingassignment message from a base unit 110 in a mobile communicationnetwork (e.g., the system 100), the message assigning resources for datareception of a TB. In response to the downlink scheduling assignment,the processor 405 may identify a set of uplink resources allocated for ashort uplink control channel in the slot. Moreover, the processor 405determines a first uplink resource from within the set of uplinkresources based on the downlink scheduling assignment message.

In one embodiment, the processor 405 determines the first uplinkresource using a RB index of a first assigned FRU of the TB. In anotherembodiment, the processor 405 determines the first uplink resource usinga lowest CCE index of the downlink scheduling assignment message. In athird embodiment, the processor 405 determines the first uplink resourceusing a HARQ-ACK feedback delay of the apparatus. In a fourthembodiment, the processor 405 determines the first uplink resource usinga HARQ-ACK resource index or offset indicated in the downlink schedulingassignment message.

Having determined the first uplink resource, the processor 405 controlsthe transceiver 425 to transmit a first uplink channel on the firstuplink resource, the first uplink channel conveying HARQ-ACK feedbackfor the TB. In certain embodiments, the TB is received in the same slotas the first uplink resource. Here, the transceiver 425 further receivesDCI indicating the set of resources allocated for the first uplinkchannel. In such embodiments, receiving the DCI includes receivingcommon DCI in a common control region of the slot.

In some embodiments, the transceiver 425 receives scheduling informationto transmit a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in theslot, wherein the first uplink resource and the second uplink resourceat least partially overlap in the time domain. Here, the second uplinkresource is larger than the first uplink resource in the time domain. Insuch embodiments, the processor 405 controls the transceiver 425 totransmit the first and second uplink channels, including transmitting atleast the first uplink channel during the overlap time. In someembodiments, the processor 405 controls the transceiver 425 multiplexthe first uplink channel into the second uplink channel. In oneembodiment, transmitting the first and second uplink channels includestransmitting the first uplink channel with an OFDM waveform andtransmitting the second uplink channel with a DFT-S-OFDM waveform.

In certain embodiments, transmitting the first and second uplinkchannels includes transmitting the second uplink channel on the seconduplink resource except during the overlap time. For example, thetransceiver 425 may only support a single transmit beamforming weight ata given time instance. In this scenario, transmitting the first andsecond uplink channels includes transmitting the first uplink channeland the second uplink channel with different transmit beamformingweights.

In certain embodiments, transmitting the first and second uplinkchannels includes transmitting the second uplink channel during theoverlap time. For example, the transceiver 425 may support more than onetransmit beamforming weights at a given time instance. In this scenario,transmitting the first and second uplink channels includes transmittingthe first uplink channel is transmitted with a first transmitbeamforming weight and transmitting the second uplink channel istransmitted with a second transmit beamforming weight. As anotherexample, the transceiver 425 may only support a single transmitbeamforming weight at a given time instance, but the first uplinkchannel is transmitted with a same transmit beamforming weight as thesecond uplink channel. In one embodiment, the first and second uplinkchannels are transmitted with an OFDM waveform.

In some embodiments, the processor 405 determines a time-domain resourceof the first uplink resource based on at least an ending TRU of the TB.In certain embodiments, identifying the set of uplink resourcesallocated for the first uplink channel in the slot may include receivinga higher layer message configuring a set of HARQ-ACK resources andidentifying a HARQ-ACK resource index indicated in the downlinkscheduling assignment message. Here, the HARQ-ACK resource indexindicates a specific one of the configured HARQ-ACK resources.

In certain embodiments, the resources for data reception includemultiple TRUs and multiple FRUs corresponding to multiple TBs. Here, theprocessor 405 determines an uplink resource for each TB in response toreceiving the TB and controls the transceiver 425 to send HARQ-ACKfeedback in the first uplink channel. Moreover, the processor 405 maydetermine and send HARQ-ACK feedback for at least one TB prior toreceiving all TBs in the downlink resource assignment. In oneembodiment, the TRU is a slot including an integer number of OFDMsymbols and the FRU is a resource block including 12 subcarriers.

In various embodiments, the processor 405 controls the transceiver 425to communicate a first channel using a first transmission direction in afirst OFDM symbol, communicate a second channel using a secondtransmission direction in a second OFDM symbol, and communicate a thirdchannel using the second transmission direction in a third OFDM symbol.In such embodiments, the first channel and third channel are transmittedwith a first subcarrier spacing value and the second channel istransmitted with a second subcarrier spacing value greater than thefirst subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, the secondsubcarrier spacing value is an integer multiple of the first subcarrierspacing value. Moreover, the third OFDM symbol occurs immediatelyfollows the second OFDM symbol and the second OFDM symbol occursimmediately following a communication gap between the first and secondOFDM symbols.

In certain embodiments, the second channel includes a reference signaland the third channel contains data. In one embodiment, the firsttransmission direction is downlink, and the second transmissiondirection is uplink. Here, communicating the first channel includesreceiving the TB and communicating the third channel includestransmitting the HARQ-ACK feedback. In one embodiment, the firsttransmission direction is uplink, and the second transmission directionis downlink. Here, communicating the third channel includes receivingthe TB immediately following the reference signal.

In various embodiments, the processor 405 receives first schedulinginformation to transmit a first uplink channel on a first uplinkresource in a slot and receives second scheduling information totransmit a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in theslot. Here, the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource atleast partially overlap in the time domain. Additionally, the firstscheduling information is received later than the second schedulinginformation and the second uplink resource is larger than the firstuplink resource in the time domain.

The processor 405 controls the transceiver 425 to transmit the firstuplink channel and second uplink channel, including transmitting thefirst uplink channel on the first uplink resource including the overlaptime and transmitting a part of the second uplink channel on a part ofthe second uplink resource excluding at least the overlap time.

In some embodiments, the first uplink channel carries at least one oflow-latency data and low-latency control information. In someembodiments, the first uplink channel contains one or two symbols in theslot. In some embodiments, the first method further includes receiving ahigher layer message configuring waveforms for the first and seconduplink channels, respectively and transmitting the first and seconduplink channels with the respective configured waveforms. In oneembodiment, the user equipment apparatus 400 may be configured by higherlayer signaling to use an OFDM waveform. In another embodiment, the userequipment apparatus 400 may be configured by higher layer signaling touse a DFT-S-OFDM waveform.

In some embodiments, receiving the first scheduling information totransmit the first uplink channel in the slot includes receiving adownlink scheduling assignment message assigning resources for datareception of a TB and identifying the first uplink resource for thefirst uplink channel in the slot, the first uplink channel conveyingHARQ-ACK feedback for the TB. In certain embodiments, the first uplinkchannel is a PUCCH. In such embodiments, identifying the first uplinkresource for the first uplink channel in the slot further includes:receiving a higher layer message configuring a set of PUCCH resources,determining the slot based on an ending slot of the TB, and determiningthe first uplink resource from the set of PUCCH resources based on DCI,including the downlink scheduling assignment message and the lowest CCEindex of the DCI.

In some embodiments, the user equipment apparatus 400 supports atransmission with a single transmit antenna panel at a given timeinstance. In certain embodiments, transmitting the first and seconduplink channels includes transmitting the first uplink channel and thesecond uplink channel with different transmit antenna panels.

The memory 410, in one embodiment, is a computer readable storagemedium. In some embodiments, the memory 410 includes volatile computerstorage media. For example, the memory 410 may include a RAM, includingdynamic RAM (“DRAM”), synchronous dynamic RAM (“SDRAM”), and/or staticRAM (“SRAM”). In some embodiments, the memory 410 includes non-volatilecomputer storage media. For example, the memory 410 may include a harddisk drive, a flash memory, or any other suitable non-volatile computerstorage device. In some embodiments, the memory 410 includes bothvolatile and non-volatile computer storage media.

In some embodiments, the memory 410 stores data relating tocommunicating a short-duration uplink channel. For example, the memory410 may store sets of candidate resources for PUCCH, HARQ-ACK feedback,downlink scheduling assignments, downlink control information, and thelike. In certain embodiments, the memory 410 also stores program codeand related data, such as an operating system or other controlleralgorithms operating on the user equipment apparatus 400 and one or moresoftware applications.

The input device 415, in one embodiment, may include any known computerinput device including a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a stylus, amicrophone, or the like. In some embodiments, the input device 415 maybe integrated with the display 420, for example, as a touchscreen orsimilar touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, the input device415 includes a touchscreen such that text may be input using a virtualkeyboard displayed on the touchscreen and/or by handwriting on thetouchscreen. In some embodiments, the input device 415 includes two ormore different devices, such as a keyboard and a touch panel.

The display 420, in one embodiment, may include any known electronicallycontrollable display or display device. The display 420 may be designedto output visual, audible, and/or haptic signals. In some embodiments,the display 420 includes an electronic display capable of outputtingvisual data to a user. For example, the display 420 may include, but isnot limited to, an LCD display, an LED display, an OLED display, aprojector, or similar display device capable of outputting images, text,or the like to a user. As another, non-limiting, example, the display420 may include a wearable display such as a smart watch, smart glasses,a heads-up display, or the like. Further, the display 420 may be acomponent of a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a television,a table computer, a notebook (laptop) computer, a personal computer, avehicle dashboard, or the like.

In certain embodiments, the display 420 includes one or more speakersfor producing sound. For example, the display 420 may produce an audiblealert or notification (e.g., a beep or chime). In some embodiments, thedisplay 420 includes one or more haptic devices for producingvibrations, motion, or other haptic feedback. In some embodiments, allor portions of the display 420 may be integrated with the input device415. For example, the input device 415 and display 420 may form atouchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. In other embodiments,the display 420 may be located near the input device 415.

The transceiver 425 communicates with one or more base units 110 in amobile communication network. Via a base unit 110, the transceiver 425may communicate with one or more network functions in the mobilecommunication network. The transceiver 425 operates under the control ofthe processor 405 to transmit messages, data, and other signals and alsoto receive messages, data, and other signals. For example, the processor405 may selectively activate the transceiver 425 (or portions thereof)at particular times in order to send and receive messages.

The transceiver 425 may include one or more transmitters 430 and one ormore receivers 435. Although only one transmitter 430 and one receiver435 are illustrated, the user equipment apparatus 400 may have anysuitable number of transmitters 430 and receivers 435. Further, thetransmitter(s) 430 and the receiver(s) 435 may be any suitable type oftransmitters and receivers. In certain embodiments, the transceiver 425includes multiple RF chains and/or multiple antenna panels.

Additionally, the transceiver 425 may support at least one networkinterface 440. Here, the at least one network interface 440 facilitatescommunication with a RAN node, such as an eNB or gNB, for example usingthe “Uu” interface. Additionally, the at least one network interface 440may include an interface used for communications with one or morenetwork functions in the mobile core network, such as a UPF, an AMF,and/or a SMF.

In one embodiment, the transceiver 425 includes a firsttransmitter/receiver pair used to communicate with a mobilecommunication network over licensed radio spectrum and a secondtransmitter/receiver pair used to communicate with a mobilecommunication network over unlicensed radio spectrum. In certainembodiments, the first transmitter/receiver pair used to communicatewith a mobile communication network over licensed radio spectrum and thesecond transmitter/receiver pair used to communicate with a mobilecommunication network over unlicensed radio spectrum may be combinedinto a single transceiver unit, for example a single chip performingfunctions for use with both licensed and unlicensed radio spectrum. Insome embodiments, the first transmitter/receiver pair and the secondtransmitter/receiver pair may share one or more hardware components. Forexample, certain transceivers 425, transmitters 430, and receivers 435may be implemented as physically separate components that access ashared hardware resource and/or software resource, such as for example,the network interface 440.

In various embodiments, one or more transmitters 430 and/or one or morereceivers 435 may be implemented and/or integrated into a singlehardware component, such as a multi-transceiver chip, asystem-on-a-chip, an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”),or other type of hardware component. In certain embodiments, one or moretransmitters 430 and/or one or more receivers 435 may be implementedand/or integrated into a multi-chip module. In some embodiments, othercomponents such as the network interface 440 or other hardwarecomponents/circuits may be integrated with any number of transmitters430 and/or receivers 435 into a single chip. In such embodiment, thetransmitters 430 and receivers 435 may be logically configured as atransceiver 425 that uses one more common control signals or as modulartransmitters 430 and receivers 435 implemented in the same hardware chipor in a multi-chip module.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a base station apparatus 500 that maybe used for communicating a short-duration uplink channel, according toembodiments of the disclosure. The base station apparatus 500 may be oneembodiment of the base unit 110 and/or gNB 210. Furthermore, the basestation apparatus 500 may include a processor 505, a memory 510, aninput device 515, a display 520, and a transceiver 525. In someembodiments, the input device 515 and the display 520 are combined intoa single device, such as a touch screen. In certain embodiments, thebase station apparatus 500 may not include any input device 515 and/ordisplay 520.

The processor 505, in one embodiment, may include any known controllercapable of executing computer-readable instructions and/or capable ofperforming logical operations. For example, the processor 505 may be amicrocontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processingunit, a FPGA, or similar programmable controller. In some embodiments,the processor 505 executes instructions stored in the memory 510 toperform the methods and routines described herein. The processor 505 iscommunicatively coupled to the memory 510, the input device 515, thedisplay 520, and the transceiver 525.

In some embodiments, the transceiver 525 sends a downlink schedulingassignment message to a remote unit 105 in a mobile communicationnetwork, the message assigning resources for data reception of a TB.Moreover, the processor 505 may control the transceiver to indicate, tothe remote unit 105, a set of uplink resources allocated for a firstuplink channel in the slot. Here, the first uplink channel may be ashort uplink channel consisting of one or two symbols in the slot (e.g.,the last one or two symbols in the slot).

In one embodiment, the downlink scheduling assignment message includesan indicator of a particular one of the uplink resources the remote unit105 is to use for the first uplink channel. In another embodiment, theproperties of the downlink resource assignment implicitly indicate aparticular one of the uplink resources the remote unit 105 is to use forthe short uplink control channel. Accordingly, the remote unit 105determines a first uplink resource from within the set of uplinkresources based on the downlink scheduling assignment message.

In one embodiment, the first uplink resource is indicated using a RBindex of a first assigned FRU of the TB. In another embodiment, thefirst uplink resource is indicated using a lowest CCE index of thedownlink scheduling assignment message. In a third embodiment, the firstuplink resource is indicated using a HARQ-ACK feedback delay of theapparatus. In a fourth embodiment, the first uplink resource isindicated using a HARQ-ACK resource index or offset indicated in thedownlink scheduling assignment message.

Additionally, the processor 505 controls the transceiver 525 to receivea first uplink channel on the first uplink resource, the first uplinkchannel conveying at least HARQ-ACK feedback for the TB. In certainembodiments, the TB is transmitted in the same slot as the first uplinkresource. Here, the transceiver 525 further transmits DCI indicating theset of resources allocated for the first uplink channel. In suchembodiments, transmitting the DCI includes transmitting common DCI in acommon control region of the slot.

In some embodiments, the transceiver 525 transmits schedulinginformation to the remote unit 105 for transmitting (by the remote unit105) a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in the slot,but where the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource atleast partially overlap in the time domain. Here, the second uplinkresource is larger than the first uplink resource in the time domain. Insuch embodiments, the processor 505 controls the transceiver 525 toreceive the first and second uplink channels, including receiving atleast the first uplink channel during the overlap time.

In some embodiments, the remote unit 105 multiplexes the first uplinkchannel into the second uplink channel, wherein the transceiver 525receives the multiplexed channel. In one embodiment, receiving the firstand second uplink channels includes receiving the first uplink channelwith an OFDM waveform and receiving the second uplink channel with aDFT-S-OFDM waveform.

In certain embodiments, transmitting the first and second uplinkchannels includes receiving the second uplink channel on the seconduplink resource except during the overlap time. For example, the remoteunit 105 may only support a single transmit beamforming weight at agiven time instance, wherein the first uplink channel and second uplinkchannel require different transmit beamforming weights. In otherembodiments, receiving the first and second uplink channels includesreceiving the second uplink channel during the overlap time. Forexample, the first uplink channel may require the same transmitbeamforming weight as the second uplink channel (e.g., the first andsecond uplink channels may be for the same TRP). In one embodiment, thefirst and second uplink channels are transmitted with an OFDM waveform.

In some embodiments, the processor 505 controls the transceiver 525 tosend a higher layer message to the remote unit 105 configuring a set ofHARQ-ACK resources. Moreover, the processor 505 controls the transceiver525 to indicate a HARQ-ACK resource index in the downlink schedulingassignment message. Here, the HARQ-ACK resource index indicates aspecific one of the configured HARQ-ACK resources for the remote unit105 to use as the first uplink resource.

In certain embodiments, the resources for data reception (by the remoteunit 105) include multiple TRUs and multiple FRUs corresponding tomultiple TBs. Here, the transceiver 525 receives an uplink resource foreach TB, each uplink resource used to communicate HARQ-ACK feedback inthe first uplink channel. Moreover, the transceiver 525 may receiveHARQ-ACK feedback for at least one TB prior to transmitting all TBs inthe downlink resource assignment. In one embodiment, the TRU is a slotincluding an integer number of OFDM symbols and the FRU is a resourceblock including 12 subcarriers.

In various embodiments, the processor 505 controls the transceiver 525to communicate a first channel using a first transmission direction in afirst OFDM symbol, communicate a second channel using a secondtransmission direction in a second OFDM symbol, and communicate a thirdchannel using the second transmission direction in a third OFDM symbol.In such embodiments, the first channel and third channel are transmittedwith a first subcarrier spacing value and the second channel istransmitted with a second subcarrier spacing value greater than thefirst subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, the secondsubcarrier spacing value is an integer multiple of the first subcarrierspacing value. Moreover, the third OFDM symbol occurs immediatelyfollows the second OFDM symbol and the second OFDM symbol occursimmediately following a communication gap between the first and secondOFDM symbols.

In certain embodiments, the second channel includes a reference signaland the third channel contains data. In one embodiment, the firsttransmission direction is downlink, and the second transmissiondirection is uplink. Here, communicating the first channel includestransmitting the TB and communicating the third channel includesreceiving HARQ-ACK feedback for the TB. In one embodiment, the firsttransmission direction is uplink, and the second transmission directionis downlink. Here, communicating the third channel includes transmittingthe TB immediately following the reference signal.

The memory 510, in one embodiment, is a computer readable storagemedium. In some embodiments, the memory 510 includes volatile computerstorage media. For example, the memory 510 may include a RAM, includingDRAM, SDRAM, and/or SRAM. In some embodiments, the memory 510 includesnon-volatile computer storage media. For example, the memory 510 mayinclude a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or any other suitablenon-volatile computer storage device. In some embodiments, the memory510 includes both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media.

In some embodiments, the memory 510 stores data relating tocommunicating a short-duration uplink channel. For example, the memory510 may store sets of candidate resources for PUCCH, HARQ-ACK feedback,downlink scheduling assignments, downlink control information, and thelike. In certain embodiments, the memory 510 also stores program codeand related data, such as an operating system or other controlleralgorithms operating on the base station apparatus 500 and one or moresoftware applications.

The input device 515, in one embodiment, may include any known computerinput device including a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a stylus, amicrophone, or the like. In some embodiments, the input device 515 maybe integrated with the display 520, for example, as a touchscreen orsimilar touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, the input device515 includes a touchscreen such that text may be input using a virtualkeyboard displayed on the touchscreen and/or by handwriting on thetouchscreen. In some embodiments, the input device 515 includes two ormore different devices, such as a keyboard and a touch panel.

The display 520, in one embodiment, may include any known electronicallycontrollable display or display device. The display 520 may be designedto output visual, audible, and/or haptic signals. In some embodiments,the display 520 includes an electronic display capable of outputtingvisual data to a user. For example, the display 520 may include, but isnot limited to, an LCD display, an LED display, an OLED display, aprojector, or similar display device capable of outputting images, text,or the like to a user. As another, non-limiting, example, the display520 may include a wearable display such as a smart watch, smart glasses,a heads-up display, or the like. Further, the display 520 may be acomponent of a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a television,a table computer, a notebook (laptop) computer, a personal computer, orthe like.

In certain embodiments, the display 520 includes one or more speakersfor producing sound. For example, the display 520 may produce an audiblealert or notification (e.g., a beep or chime). In some embodiments, thedisplay 520 includes one or more haptic devices for producingvibrations, motion, or other haptic feedback. In some embodiments, allor portions of the display 520 may be integrated with the input device515. For example, the input device 515 and display 520 may form atouchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. In other embodiments,the display 520 may be located near the input device 515.

The transceiver 525 communicates with one or more remote units in amobile communication network. The transceiver 525 may also communicatewith one or more network functions in the mobile communication network.The transceiver 525 operates under the control of the processor 505 totransmit messages, data, and other signals and also to receive messages,data, and other signals. For example, the processor 505 may selectivelyactivate the transceiver (or portions thereof) at particular times inorder to send and receive messages. As depicted, the transceiver 525 mayinclude one or more transmitters 530 and one or more receivers 535.Additionally, the transceiver 525 may support one or more networkinterfaces 540 for communicating with a remote unit 105 and/or with themobile core network 130.

FIG. 6 depicts communication 600 between a gNB 210 and a UE 205, withthe UE 205 transmitting a short-duration uplink channel. Here, thesystem uses paired spectrum (e.g., FDD) comprising a downlink carrier605 (labeled “Carrier 1A”) and an uplink carrier 610 (labeled “Carrier1B”). Here, the gNB 210 transmits (and the UE 205 receives) downlinksignals (including downlink control channels and downlink data channels)over the downlink carrier 605 and the UE 205 transmits (and the gNB 210receives) uplink signals (including uplink control channels and uplinkdata channels) over the uplink carrier 610.

As depicted, the gNB 210 transmits downlink control information (“DCI”)615 in slot n-1 that includes scheduling information. Here, the DCI 615schedules the UE 205 with a long PUSCH in slot n (e.g., for transmissionof uplink data 620). In some embodiments, this scheduling informationincludes a waveform indicator for the long PUSCH. However, due toarrival of urgent/time-critical/low-latency DL data 630 for the UE 205(as indicated in the DCI 625 of slot n), the network schedules in slot nlow-latency DL data reception with HARQ-ACK feedback transmissionexpected to occur in a last portion of the slot n (e.g., the last one ortwo symbols of slot n). Note that in other embodiments the UE 205 may beexpected to transmit its full/periodic CSI report using long PUCCH inslot n (e.g., as semi-statically configured via higher layer signaling).In any case, the long PUSCH (or long PUCCH) and the short PUCCH in slotn partially overlap in time.

The UE 205 transmits the short PUCCH (e.g., containing the UCI 635) inslot n at the expected location. Depending on the hardware capability ofthe UE 205 and network deployment scenarios, the UE 205 may optionallytransmit long PUSCH (or long PUCCH) during the overlap time. Note thatthe UCI 635 contains the HARQ-ACK feedback for the downlink data 630.

In a first embodiment, the UCI 635 for the short PUCCH is intended for afirst TRP (e.g., the low-power node 315) and the long PUSCH (or longPUCCH) is intended for a different TRP (e.g., the macro BS 310), thedifferent TRPs requiring different Tx beam directions (e.g., differentbeamforming weights). In this scenario assume that the UE 205 is onlycapable of transmitting signals in one beam direction at a time, e.g.,due to one radio frequency (RF) chain with one antenna panel, or two RFchains corresponding to dual polarization with one antenna panel, whereeach RF chain (a chain composed by RF devices like transmitters,receivers, cables, amplifiers, attenuators, analog-to-digitalconverters, loads, etc.) is connected to antenna elements with commonpolarization direction.

In this embodiment, the UE 205 does not transmit the symbol(s) of thelong PUSCH/PUCCH which overlaps with the short PUCCH, but insteadtransmits the short PUCCH during the overlap time. In some embodiments,the UE 205 may not transmit one or more symbols of the long PUSCH/PUCCHwhich occur prior to the overlaps with the short PUCCH, in addition tothe symbol(s) of the long PUSCH/PUCCH which overlaps with the shortPUCCH. In some embodiments, the target TRP for the long PUSCH/PUCCH(e.g., the macro BS 310) may or may not know existence of the puncturedsymbol(s), depending on coordination level among the TRPs. Even if thetarget TRP for the long PUSCH/PUCCH does not know existence of theco-scheduled short PUCCH for the UE 205, a TRP receiver can blindlydetect the punctured symbol(s).

In a second embodiment, the UCI 635 for the short PUCCH and the longPUSCH (or long PUCCH) are again intended for different TRPs withdifferent Tx beam directions, respectively (e.g., different beamformingweights). However, in this scenario assume that the UE 205 is able totransmit signals with more than one beam direction at a time based onmore than one antenna panel and/or associated more than one RF chain.Two or more RF chains may be capable of forming beams in differentdirections.

In this second embodiment, the UE 205 transmits both the longPUSCH/PUCCH and the short PUCCH as scheduled, irrespective of theconfigured waveform of the long PUSCH/PUCCH. In one embodiment, as eachantenna panel has its own power amplifiers (e.g., combined with antennaelements), simultaneous transmission of DFT-S-OFDM and OFDM waveformsfrom different antenna panels does not degrade peak-to-average powerratio (“PAPR”) performance of the DFT-S-OFDM waveform.

In a third embodiment, the UCI 635 for the short PUCCH and the longPUSCH/PUCCH are intended for a common TRP (e.g., the macro BS 310) withthe same Tx beam direction (e.g., using the same beamforming weight).Moreover, assume that in this scenario the DCI 615 indicated that thelong PUSCH/PUCCH is to be transmitted with DFT-S-OFDM.

Because it is not desirable for the UE 205 to transmit the OFDM-basedshort PUCCH and the DFT-S-OFDM-based long PUSCH/PUCCH simultaneously onan overlapped symbol(s) (due to PAPR degradation), the UE 205multiplexes the UCI 635 for the short PUCCH into the long PUSCH/PUCCH.Moreover, the UE 205 performs rate-matching or puncturing for the longPUSCH/PUCCH around the last symbol(s) corresponding to the short PUCCHto multiplex the UCI 635. In an alternative scenario, the UE 205 doesnot transmit the symbol(s) of long PUSCH/PUCCH which overlap with theshort PUCCH, but only transmits the short PUCCH during the overlap time.

In a fourth embodiment, the UCI 635 for the short PUCCH and the longPUSCH/PUCCH are again intended to a common TRP with the same Tx beamdirection (e.g., using the same beamforming weight). Moreover, assumethat in this scenario the DCI 615 indicated that the long PUSCH/PUCCH isto be transmitted with an OFDM waveform. Here, the UE 205 transmits boththe long PUSCH/PUCCH and the short PUCCH as scheduled.

The UE 205 operation described in the above is also applicable when bothlong PUSCH (or long PUCCH) and short PUSCH transmissions arescheduled/expected within a slot. In one embodiment, both short PUCCHand short PUSCH resources for slot n may be dynamically signaled via DCI625 in slot n. In one embodiment, the resource of short PUCCH forHARQ-ACK feedback may be indicated in the DCI 625 scheduling acorresponding DL data channel (e.g., downlink data 630), if the DLscheduling DCI is transmitted in slot n.

In another embodiment, a set of subcarriers (or a set of resourceblocks) allocated as a short PUCCH region for slot n are indicateddynamically via DCI, and subcarriers used for each short PUCCH withinthe set of allocated subcarriers is implicitly determined, e.g., basedon combination of the lowest control channel element (“CCE”) index ofthe DCI 625 scheduling a corresponding DL data channel and a HARQ-ACKfeedback delay. This hybrid approach to determine the short PUCCHresource reduces the DCI signaling overhead, and yet providesflexibility in scheduling of long PUCCH/PUSCH.

In certain embodiments, the network identifies the shortage of availablesubcarriers for short PUSCH/PUCCH in slot n. Here, the network mayreassign some of subcarriers scheduled for long PUSCH/PUCCH as a part ofshort PUCCH region or short PUSCH, and indicates shortened (i.e. by 1-2symbols) long PUSCH/PUCCH transmission to the affected UEs via DCI inslot n or slot n-1. Accordingly, the UEs receiving the indication oftruncated long PUSCH/PUCCH do not transmit on the symbols reassigned to(e.g., overlapped with) short PUCCH/PUSCH in slot n.

FIG. 7A-7D depict various examples of slot resource usage for non-pairedspectrum (e.g., TDD). Here, each physical channel carrying DCI, UCI, DLdata, or UL data may have a separate demodulation reference signal (“DMRS”) 702. In one embodiment, frequency division multiplexed (FDM) DM RSare used for demodulation of DCI and short PUCCH/PUSCH/DL data channel.Here, the short PUCCH/PUSCH/DL data channels are always transmitted withan OFDM waveform. In this embodiment, time division multiplexed (TDM) DMRS are used for long PUSCH, which can be transmitted with either an OFDMor DFT-S-OFDM waveform, as discussed above. In another embodiment, TDMDM RS are employed for all physical channels irrespective of thewaveform used.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show examples of slot usage with TDM DM RS fornon-paired spectrum (e.g., TDD-mode operation). FIGS. 7C and 7D showexamples of slot usage with a mix of TDM and FDM DM RS for non-pairedspectrum (e.g., TDD-mode operation). In FIGS. 7A-7D, the slot durationis equal to 7 symbol durations (Ts).

FIGS. 7A-7D show exemplary uses of a slot from the system perspective innon-paired spectrum. Here, the slot comprises 7 OFDM (or DFT-S-OFDM)symbols with symbol duration of T. Throughout FIG. 7A-7D, ‘UCI’occupying 1 symbol depicts short PUCCHs, and ‘UCI’ occupying more than 2symbols corresponds to long PUCCHs. Short PUCCHs may be frequencydivision multiplexed with short UL data channels (e.g., PUSCH alsooccupying one or two symbol periods), long UL data channels (e.g., PUSCHoccupying more than 2 symbol periods), and/or long PUCCH in the lastsymbol period.

In some embodiments, a mobile communication network may dynamicallydetermine and signal, in slot n, radio resources (e.g., subcarrierallocation) of short PUCCH/PUSCH for slot n, considering otherpre-scheduled long PUSCH/PUCCH transmission in slot n. (e.g., the ULdata or a full/periodic CSI report). Dynamically adapting shortPUCCH/PUSCH resources allows flexible scheduling of long PUSCH/PUCCH andenables efficient resource utilization. In case that there is no DLregion in slot n, e.g., a UL-only slot for non-paired spectrum,subcarrier allocation of short PUCCH/PUSCH for slot n can be indicatedin a slot n-k which includes a DL region, is prior to but closest toslot n.

In one embodiment, both short PUCCH and short PUSCH resources for slot nmay be dynamically signaled via DCI 625 in slot n (or in slot n-k ifthere is no DL region in slot n). The resource of short PUCCH forHARQ-ACK feedback may be indicated in DCI scheduling a corresponding DLdata channel, if the DL scheduling DCI is transmitted in slot n or slotn-k.

In a cell with unpaired spectrum, the network can set a guard period(“GP”) 711 shorter than the symbol duration of a data channel and canexploit the remaining time of the symbol duration of the data channel,which is not reserved for the GP 711, for transmission/reception of DMRS 702 of the data channel. Here, the DM RS 702 of the data channel istransmitted/received with a larger subcarrier spacing (which correspondsto shorter symbol duration) than a subcarrier spacing of the datachannel. The DM RS 702 is further time division multiplexed with thedata channel, as shown. Note that the GP 711 accommodates DL-to-ULswitching including hardware switching time and UL transmit timingadvance (TA).

FIG. 7A illustrates a first slot usage example 700 and a second example705 of slot usage with TDM DM RS 702. In the first slot usage example700, the slot begins with a half-symbol used for transmission of DM RS702. In the following symbol (e.g., from 0.5 to 1.5 symbols) shortdownlink data channels 704 and 708 are transmitted (e.g., PDSCH) and DCI706 and 710 are transmitted (e.g., in downlink control channels, such asPDCCH), thus an example of time division multiplexing of DM RS with thedownlink channels. Note that the DM RS 702 transmitted in the firsthalf-symbol are associated with downlink channels transmitted in thissymbol time. The GP 711 is set for the following half-symbol (e.g., from1.5 to 2.0 symbols), wherein the system transitions from downlink touplink.

Following the GP 711, the uplink portion of the slot begins with anotherhalf-symbol (e.g., from 2.0 to 2.5 symbols) being used for a DM RS 702.Here, the DM RS 702 are associated with uplink channels transmitted overat least the next three symbols (e.g., from 2.5 to 5.5 symbols), thus anexample of time division multiplexing of DM RS with the uplink channels.The uplink channels include long uplink control channels carrying UCI712 and UCI 720. Note that these control channels are considered to be“long” control channels as they are longer than two symbols in duration.The uplink channels also include long data channels (e.g., long PUSCHs)carrying UL data 714, 716, and 718.

In the following half-symbol (e.g., from 5.5 to 6.0 symbols) the UEstransmit another DM RS 702. Here, the DM RS 702 are associated withuplink channels transmitted over at least the last symbol (e.g., from6.0 to 7.0 symbols), thus time division multiplexing of DM RS with theuplink channels. Note that the UCI 712 and UCI 720 continue in the lastsymbol. Also, the long data channel 716 continues into the last symbolof the slot. Accordingly, on these frequency bands (e.g., subcarriers),a first DM RS (labelled “DM RS1”) is transmitted immediately followingthe GP 711 and a second DM RS (labelled “DM RS2”) is transmittedimmediately before the last symbol of the slot.

Additionally, the first slot usage example 700 includes short controlchannels (e.g., short PUCCH) for UCI 722, UL data 724 and UCI 726transmitted in the last symbol of the slot. Recall that these channelsare considered “short” uplink channels because they are not more thantwo symbols in duration. Also note that DM RS 702 corresponding to theshort uplink channels are transmitted immediately before the shortPUCCH/PUSCH.

In one embodiment, the UL data 724 and at least one of the UCI 722 andUCI 726 are transmitted by the same UE, and thus an example of shortPUCCH multiplexed with short PUSCH in the frequency domain. In anotherembodiment, one of the UCI 712 and UCI 720 as well as at least one ofthe UCI 722 and UCI 726 are transmitted by the same UE, and thus anexample of short PUCCH multiplexed with long PUCCH in the time andfrequency domain. Such a UE handles the overlap of short PUCCH and longPUCCH in the last symbol of the slot as described above with referenceto FIG. 6. In yet another embodiment, the UL data 716 and at least oneof the UCI 722, the UL data 724, and UCI 726 are transmitted by the sameUE, and thus an example of long PUSCH multiplexed with short PUCCHand/or short PUSCH in the time and frequency domain.

In the second slot usage example 705, the slot again begins with ahalf-symbol used for transmission of DM RS 702. In the following symbol(e.g., from 0.5 to 1.5 symbols) long downlink data channel 728 and shortdownlink data channel 708 are transmitted (e.g., PDSCH) and DCI 706 and710 are transmitted, e.g., in short downlink control channels (such asPDCCH). Note that the DM RS 702 transmitted in the first half-symbol areassociated with the downlink channels transmitted in this symbol time,thus time division multiplexing DM RS with the downlink channels.Another DM RS 702 is transmitted in the following half-symbol (e.g.,from 1.5 to 2.0 symbols). Here, the DM RS 702 are associated withdownlink data channels 728, 730, and 732 transmitted in the followingthree symbol periods (e.g., from 2.0 to 5.0 symbols), also time divisionmultiplexing DM RS with the downlink channels. Note that here, that thedownlink data channel 728 continues such that a second DM RS for thechannel is transmitted from 1.5 to 2.0 symbols.

Following the long downlink data channels, the system sets a GP 711 forswitching from downlink to uplink. Again, the GP has a half-symbolduration (e.g., from 5.0 to 5.5 symbols). Following the GP 711, theuplink portion of the slot begins with another half-symbol (e.g., from5.5 to 6.0 symbols) being used for uplink DM RS 702. Here, the DM RS 702are associated with uplink channels transmitted over the last symbol ofthe slot (e.g., from 6.0 to 7.0 symbols), thus time divisionmultiplexing DM RS with the uplink channels. Here, the second slot usageexample 705 includes short control channels (e.g., short PUCCH) for UCI734 and UCI 738 and a short data channel (e.g., short PUSCH) for uplinkdata 736. Recall that these channels are considered “short” uplinkchannels because they are not more than two symbols in duration. Alsonote that DM RS 702 associated with the short uplink channels aretransmitted immediately before the short PUCCH/PUSCH (and immediatelyfollowing the GP 711). In one embodiment, the UL data 736 and at leastone of the UCI 734 and UCI 738 are transmitted by the same UE, and thusan example of short PUCCH multiplexed with short PUSCH in the frequencydomain.

FIG. 7B illustrates a third example 715 and a fourth example 725 of slotusage with TDM DM RS 702. In FIG. 7B, the depicted slots are dedicatedto either uplink or downlink. In the third slot usage example 715, thefirst two symbols are used to transmit long PUCCH/PUSCH followed bytransmission of DM RS 702 over half a symbol (e.g., from 2.0 to 2.5symbols). After the first DM RS 702, transmission of the longPUCCH/PUSCH continues over the following three symbol durations (e.g.,from 2.5 to 5.5 symbols), thus time division multiplexing DM RS with theuplink channels. Then another DM RS is transmitted over the nexthalf-symbol (e.g., from 5.5 to 6.0 symbols). Note that these DM RS 702are associated with at least the transmissions in the last symbol of theslot, thus time division multiplexing DM RS with uplink channels. In thelast symbol, the third slot usage example 715 includes short controlchannels for the UCI 722 and UCI 726 and a short data channel for theuplink data 724. Further, the long control channels for the UCI 712 andUCI 720, as well as the long data channel for the uplink data 716, allcontinue into the last symbol of the slot.

Note that there is no switching from DL to UL in the third slot usageexample 715, and so no GP 711 is required. Further, as discussed above,the same UE 205 may be assigned both one of UCI 712, UL data 716, andUCI 720 and one of the UCI 722, UL data 724, and the UCI 726, all ofwhich overlap in time during the last symbol of the slot. Here, the UEmay transmit the short channel (e.g., the UCI 722, UL data 724, or theUCI 726) without transmitting the long channel (e.g., the UCI 712, ULdata 716, or UCI 720) based on UE capabilities and expected waveform ofthe uplink channels.

In one embodiment, the UL data 724 and at least one of the UCI 722 andUCI 726 are transmitted by the same UE, and thus an example of shortPUCCH multiplexed with short PUSCH in the frequency domain. In anotherembodiment, one of the UCI 712 and UCI 720 as well as at least one ofthe UCI 722 and UCI 726 are transmitted by the same UE, and thus anexample of short PUCCH multiplexed with long PUCCH in the time andfrequency domain. Such a UE handles the overlap of short PUCCH and longPUCCH in the last symbol of the slot as described above with referenceto FIG. 6. In yet another embodiment, the UL data 716 and at least oneof the UCI 722, the UL data 724, and UCI 726 are transmitted by the sameUE, and thus an example of long PUSCH multiplexed with short PUCCHand/or short PUSCH in the time and frequency domain.

In the fourth slot usage example 725, the slot begins with a half-symbolused for transmission of downlink DM RS 702. In the following symbol(e.g., from 0.5 to 1.5 symbols) long downlink data channel 728 and shortdownlink data channel 708 are transmitted (e.g., PDSCH) and DCI 706 and710 are transmitted, e.g., in short downlink control channels (such asPDCCH), thus time division multiplexing DM RS with the downlinkchannels. Note that the DM RS 702 transmitted in the first half-symbolare associated with at least the downlink channels transmitted in thissymbol time.

Another DM RS 702 is transmitted in the following half-symbol (e.g.,from 1.5 to 2.0 symbols). Here, the DM RS 702 are associated withdownlink data channels 728, 730, and 732 transmitted in the followingfive symbol periods (e.g., from 2.0 to 7.0 symbols), thus time divisionmultiplexing DM RS with the downlink channels. Note that here, that thedownlink data channel 728 continues such that a second DM RS for thechannel is transmitted from 1.5 to 2.0 symbols.

FIG. 7C illustrates a fifth example 735 and sixth example 745 of slotusage. Here, however, the slot usage includes both TDM DM RS and FDM DMRS. In the fifth slot usage example 735, the slot begins with a wholesymbol used for transmission of short downlink channels 740-744multiplexed with FDM DM RS. Included are the DCI+DM RS combination 740,the DL data+DM RS combination 742, and the DCI+DM RS combination 744.Note that DL data 728 (without multiplexed FDM DM RS) is alsotransmitted in the first symbol.

At the beginning of the second symbol, TDM DM RS 702 is transmitted forhalf a symbol duration (e.g., from 1.0 to 1.5 symbols). Note that the DMRS 702 transmitted here are associated with the long downlink channelstransmitted in the following four symbols (e.g., from 1.5 to 5.5symbols), thus time division multiplexing DM RS with the downlinkchannels. Here, the DM RS 702 are associated with downlink data channelscarrying the DL data 728, 746, 748, and 750 and transmitted in thefollowing three symbol periods (e.g., from 2.0 to 5.0 symbols). Notealso, that the downlink data channel 728 continues.

Following the long downlink data channels, the system sets a GP 711 forswitching from downlink to uplink. As before, the GP has a half-symbolduration (e.g., from 5.5 to 6.0 symbols). Following the GP 711, theuplink portion of the slot begins with the last symbol (e.g., from 6.0to 7.0 symbols) being used for short uplink channels multiplexed withFDM DM RS. Depicted here are the UCI+DM RS combination 752, the UL data+DM RS combination 754, and the UCI +DM RS combination 756. In oneembodiment, the UL data+DM RS combination 754 and at least one of theUCI+DM RS combination 752 and UCI +DM RS combination 756 are transmittedby the same UE, and thus an example of short PUCCH multiplexed withshort PUSCH in the frequency domain (and further multiplexed with DM RSin the frequency domain).

In the sixth slot usage example 745, the slot begins with a whole symbolused for transmission of short downlink channels 740-744 multiplexedwith FDM DM RS. Included are the DCI+DM RS combination 740, the DLdata+DM RS combination 742, the DCI+DM RS combination 744, and the DLdata+DM RS combination 758. Note that DL data 728 (without multiplexedFDM DM RS) is also transmitted in the first symbol.

Following the short downlink data channels, the system sets a GP 711 forswitching from downlink to uplink. As before, the GP has a half-symbolduration (e.g., from 1.0 to 1.5 symbols). Following the GP 711, theuplink portion of the slot begins with TDM DM RS 702 being transmittedover half a symbol duration (e.g., from 1.5 to 2.0 symbols). Note thatthe DM RS 702 transmitted here are associated with the long uplinkchannels transmitted in the following four symbols (e.g., from 2.0 to6.0 symbols), thus time division multiplexing DM RS with the uplinkchannels. Here, the DM RS 702 are associated with uplink controlchannels for UCI 712 and 720 and uplink data channels for UL data 714,UL data 716, and UL data 718. Note also, that the uplink controlchannels for UCI 712 and UCI 720 continue to the end of the slot (e.g.,continue into the last symbol). Additionally, the sixth slot usageexample 745 depicts in the last symbol (e.g., from 6.0 to 7.0 symbols)being used for short uplink channels multiplexed with FDM DM RS.Depicted here are the UCI+DM RS combination 760, the UL data+DM RScombination 762, and the UCI+DM RS combination 764.

In one embodiment, the UL data+DM RS combination 762 and at least one ofthe UCI+DM RS combination 760 and UCI+DM RS combination 764 aretransmitted by the same UE, and thus an example of short PUCCHmultiplexed with short PUSCH in the frequency domain (and furthermultiplexed with DM RS in the frequency domain). In another embodiment,one of the UCI 712 and UCI 720 as well as at least one of the UCI+DM RScombination 760 and UCI+DM RS combination 764 are transmitted by thesame UE, and thus an example of short PUCCH multiplexed with long PUCCHin the time domain. Such a UE handles the overlap of short PUCCH andlong PUCCH in the last symbol of the slot as described above withreference to FIG. 6. In yet another embodiment, the UL data 716 and atleast one of the at least one of the UCI+DM RS combination 760, ULdata+DM RS combination 762, and UCI+DM RS combination 764 aretransmitted by the same UE, and thus an example of long PUSCHmultiplexed with short PUCCH and/or short PUSCH in the time andfrequency domain.

FIG. 7D illustrates a seventh example 755 and an eighth example 765 ofslot usage. Again, the slot usage in FIG. 7D includes both FDM DM RS andTDM DM RS 702. In FIG. 7D, the depicted slots are dedicated to eitheruplink or downlink. In the seventh slot usage example 755, the slotbegins with a whole symbol used for transmission of short downlinkchannels 740-744 multiplexed with FDM DM RS. Included are the DCI+DM RScombination 740, the DL data+DM RS combination 742, and the DCI+DM RScombination 744. Note that DL data 728 (without multiplexed FDM DM RS)is also transmitted in the first symbol.

At the beginning of the second symbol, TDM DM RS 702 is transmitted forhalf a symbol duration (e.g., from 1.0 to 1.5 symbols). Note that the DMRS 702 transmitted here are associated with the long downlink channelstransmitted in the following four symbols (e.g., from 1.5 to 5.5symbols), thus time division multiplexing DM RS with downlink channels.Here, the DM RS 702 are associated with downlink data channels for theDL data 728, the DL data 746, the DL data 748, and the DL data 750transmitted in the following three symbol periods (e.g., from 1.5 to 4.5symbols). Note also, that the downlink data channel 728 continues.

A TDM DM RS 702 is again transmitted, e.g., from 4.5 to 5.0 symbols.Here, the DM RS 702 are second DM RS 702 for the downlink data channelscarrying the DL data 728, the DL data 746, the DL data 748, and the DLdata 750, again time division multiplexing DM RS with the data channels.The DL data channels then communicate the DL data 728, 746, 748, and 750over the final two symbols of the slot.

In the eighth slot usage example 765, the slot begins with a half-symbolused for transmission of downlink DM RS 702. In the following threesymbols (e.g., from 0.5 to 3.5 symbols) UCI 712 and 720 are transmittedon long uplink control channels and UL data 714, UL data 716, and ULdata 718 are transmitted on long uplink data channels, thus timedivision multiplexing DM RS with the uplink channels. A second TDM DM RS702 is again transmitted, e.g., from 3.5 to 4.0 symbols. Here, the DM RS702 are second DM RS 702 for the long uplink control channels and longuplink data channels, again time division multiplexing DM RS with uplinkchannels. Additionally, the eighth slot usage example 765 depicts in thelast symbol (e.g., from 6.0 to 7.0 symbols) being used for short uplinkchannels multiplexed with FDM DM RS. Depicted here are the UCI+DM RScombination 760, the UL data+DM RS combination 762, and the UCI+DM RScombination 764.

In one embodiment, the UL data+DM RS combination 762 and at least one ofthe UCI+DM RS combination 760 and UCI+DM RS combination 764 aretransmitted by the same UE, and thus an example of short PUCCHmultiplexed with short PUSCH in the frequency domain (and furthermultiplexed with DM RS in the frequency domain). In another embodiment,one of the UCI 712 and UCI 720 as well as at least one of the UCI+DM RScombination 760 and UCI+DM RS combination 764 are transmitted by thesame UE, and thus an example of short PUCCH multiplexed with long PUCCHin the time and frequency domain. Such a UE handles the overlap of shortPUCCH and long PUCCH in the last symbol of the slot as described abovewith reference to FIG. 6. In yet another embodiment, the UL data 716 andat least one of the UCI+DM RS combination 760, UL data+DM RS combination762, and UCI+DM RS combination 764 are transmitted by the same UE, andthus an example of long PUSCH multiplexed with short PUCCH and/or shortPUSCH in the time and frequency domain.

However, because a system-wide guard period of a half symbol durationmay not be large enough for some UEs in a large cell, in otherembodiments the following UE/network operation may be needed:

If estimated/measured round trip propagation delay or the Timing Advancevalue signaling by the base station for a UE 205 is larger than T1 butsmaller than T2 (e.g., T1<T2), then the UE 205 skips receiving the lastDL symbol and switches to a scheduled UL transmission. For DLdemodulation, the UE 205 may set log-likely hood ratio (“LLR”)information of channels bits of the skipped DL symbol to zero (e.g.,puncturing). In one example, T1 is equal to the system-wide guard periodof a half symbol duration, and T2 is equal to the sum of the system-wideguard period and one symbol duration.

If estimated/measured round trip propagation delay or the Timing Advancevalue signaling by the base station for a UE is larger than T1 butsmaller than T2 (T1<T2) and if the UE is scheduled with long PUSCH/PUCCHright after system-wide GP in a slot, then the UE 205 skips transmittingthe first UL symbol.

If estimated/measured round trip propagation delay or the Timing Advancevalue signaling by the base station for the UE 205 is larger than T2,the network does not schedule the UE 205 with short PUSCH/PUCCH togetherwith DL reception in the same a slot.

If estimated/measured round trip propagation delay or the Timing Advancevalue signaling by the base station for the UE 205 is larger than T2 andif the UE is scheduled with long PUSCH/PUCCH right after a system-wideGP in a slot, the network assumes that UE 205 will not monitor DCI andwill not receive any downlink data in that slot.

FIG. 8 depicts multi-slot scheduling between a gNB and a UE, such as theUE 205 and gNB 210. When the UE 205 receives a DL data resourceassignment (e.g. a PDSCH resource assignment), the resource assignmentmay be applicable to a single slot or multiple slots. As depicted, theUE 205 may receive downlink control signal (e.g., DCI) with a resourceassignment applicable to slot 0, slot 1, slot 2, and slot 3. When theresource assignment is applicable to multiple slots, data sent over themultiple slots may be sent as one TB or media access control layerprotocol data unit (“MAC PDU”) or can be sent as multiple TBs or MACPDUs.

As depicted, a first resource assignment 800 includes a single TB thatspans slot 0, slot 1, slot 2, and slot 3. In contrast, a second resourceassignment 805 includes a multiple TBs in the assignment that spans slot0, slot 1, slot 2, and slot 3. While FIG. 8 shows four TBs with one TBper slot, in other embodiments a resource assignment may have more orfewer TBs over the same number of TRUs and the TB boundaries may or maynot align with the slot boundaries.

Whether the downlink data is sent as one or multiple TBs can beindicated to the UE 205 as part of the PDSCH resource assignment (i.e.,dynamically). In another embodiment, it can be indicated via higherlayer signaling (e.g. via RRC). Moreover, HARQ-ACK transmissions by theUE 205 (either on a dedicated UL control channel, e.g. PUCCH; orpiggybacked with UL data transmission, e.g. within PUSCH) in response todata reception corresponding to the DL data resource assignment maydepend on whether the resource assignment is for multiple TBs or awhether it assigns a single TB.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict uplink control message timing for multi-slotscheduling between a gNB and a UE, with the UE transmitting ashort-duration uplink channel. FIG. 9A shows downlink resources 905 anduplink resources 910 for a first timing scenario 900. As depicted, afirst UE (“UE1”) receives a first DL resource assignment 915 that spansslot 0 and slot 1. Here, the DL resources assignment comprises multipleFRUs (frequency resource units, e.g. RBs) and multiple TRUs (TimeResource Units, e.g. slots or OFDM symbols). Note that the first DLresource assignment 915 is for a single TB, despite the assignmentspanning multiple slots.

Upon receiving the DL data in the assigned first DL resource 915, theUE1 is expected to provide HARQ-ACK feedback. Assume here that the UE1is to use short PUCCH to transmit the HARQ-ACK feedback (or multiplexthe HARQ-ACK feedback with UL data in short PUSCH). In some embodiments,the UE1 uses information implicit in the first DL resource assignment915 to select an uplink resource for transmitting a short uplink controlchannel carrying the HARQ-ACK feedback.

In some embodiments, the UL resource used for HARQ-ACK transmission isselected based on the last assigned TRU of the TB. As discussed above,the short PUCCH/PUSCH is located in the last symbol(s) of the slot.Moreover, the subcarriers for the short uplink control channel carryingthe HARQ-ACK feedback may be selected based on the FRUs in which the UE1receives the DL data (e.g., based on the starting RB index of theassigned RBs). Using the information implicit in the first DL resourceassignment 915, the UE1 selects a HARQ resource 925 (e.g., from a set ofpossible HARQ resources) for transmitting a short uplink control channelcarrying the HARQ-ACK feedback. As depicted, the UE1 transmits HARQ-ACKfeedback in slot 3.

Also, a second UE (“UE2”) receives a second DL resource assignment 920that spans slot 0, slot 1, slot 2, and slot 3. Again, the DL resourcesassignment comprises multiple FRUs (frequency resource units, e.g. RBs)and multiple TRUs (Time Resource Units, e.g. slots or OFDM symbols).Here, the second DL resource assignment 920 is for multiple TBs;specifically, one TB for each slot.

Upon receiving the DL data in the assigned second DL resource 920, theUE2 is expected to provide HARQ-ACK feedback for each TB. Assume herethat the UE2 is to use short PUCCH to transmit the HARQ-ACK feedback (ormultiplex the HARQ-ACK feedback with UL data in short PUSCH). Becausethe resource assignment corresponds to multiple TBs, it is beneficialfor the UE2 to send multiple HARQ-ACK transmissions, e.g., eachcorresponding to a TB. Beneficially, this reduces the latency inscheduling retransmissions for those TBs, thereby improving systemperformance.

In some embodiments, the UE2 uses information implicit in the second DLresource assignment 920 to select an uplink resource for each shortuplink control channel carrying the HARQ-ACK feedback. In someembodiments, the UL resource used for HARQ-ACK transmission is selectedbased on the last assigned TRU of each TB. As discussed above, the shortPUCCH/PUSCH is located in the last symbol(s) of the slot. Moreover, thesubcarriers for the short uplink control channel carrying the HARQ-ACKfeedback may be selected based on the FRUs in which the UE2 receives theDL data (e.g., based on the starting RB index of the assigned RBs).

Using the information implicit in the second DL resource assignment 920,the UE2 selects a HARQ resource 925 (e.g., from a set of possible HARQresources) for each TB, to be used in transmitting a short uplinkcontrol channel carrying the HARQ-ACK feedback corresponding to the TB.Here, the UE2 transmits HARQ-ACK feedback for TB1 in slot 1, transmitsHARQ-ACK feedback for TB2 in slot 2, transmits HARQ-ACK feedback for TB3in slot 3, and transmits HARQ-ACK feedback for TB4 in slot 4. Note thatthe UE1 and the UE2 both transmit HARQ-ACK in slot 3. However, there isno collision of PUCCH because the UE1 and UE2 select different uplinkfrequency resources due to being assigned different FRUs (e.g.,different RBs) for the TBs.

Note that the time delay between ending slot for DL and corresponding ULHARQ-ACK transmission can vary based on the TB size and/or thetransmission duration of the TB and/or timing advance restriction (e.g.,such as maximum timing advance value). As depicted, the TB1 for the UE1is a large TB (e.g., spanning more than one slot) and so thecorresponding HARQ-ACK is with longer delay than the TBs for the UE2.Here, the UE1 sends HARQ-ACK feedback corresponding to its TB1 after 2slots, while for UE2 the corresponding HARQ-ACK is sent in the immediateslot following the slot in which each individual TB ends (e.g., due toeach individual TB not spanning more than one slot.

FIG. 9B depicts a second timing scenario 950 where the UE selecting aHARQ resource 925 based on implicit determination using the DL resourceassignment leads to a collision 960. In the second timing scenario 950,the system schedules a first DL resource 915 for the UE1 in slots 0 and1 and schedules a second DL resource 920 for the UE2 in slots 0-3. Notethat the first DL resource assignment 915 and second DL resourceassignment 920 occupy different RBs of the DL resources 905.Additionally, the system schedules a third DL resource assignment 955 toa third UE (“UE3”) in slot 2 and on the same RBs as the first DLresource assignment 915. This leads to the situation where HARQ-ACKresource selection based only on <ending TRU on which TB is received,FRUs on which TB is received>with a HARQ-ACK feedback delay configuredor predefined for a respective TB duration leads to the UE1 and the UE2picking the same HARQ resource 925. This leads to collisions anddegraded performance.

Here, the UE1 determines to send its HARQ-ACK feedback in slot 3 due tobeing given a large TB (or a longer duration for the TB) ending in slot1. Also, the UE3, which has a small TB ending in slot 2, determines tosend its HARQ-ACK feedback in slot 3 (note that smaller TBs require lessprocessing time and thus may have shorter HARQ-ACK latency). Asdiscussed above, the system has multiple HARQ resources 925 for eachslot; however, because the UE1 and the UE3 are assigned same FRUs (sincetheir DL transmissions are not time overlapping), then they end uppicking the same HARQ resource 925 when HARQ-ACK resource selectionbased only on <ending TRU on which TB is received, FRUs on which TB isreceived>. This is illustrated by collision 960.

However, as the network is aware of the TRUs, FRUs, and TBscorresponding to the various DL resource assignments, the system canpreempt the collision 960 by indicating (e.g., to the UE1 and/or theUE3) a HARQ resource 925 to use for short PUCCH. In certain embodiments,the UE3 (and/or UE1) is configured with multiple HARQ resources 925 viahigher layers (e.g., via the RRC layer). In such embodiments, the thirdDL resource assignment 955 (and/or the first DL resource assignment 915)includes an indication of a HARQ resource 925 to use. For example, theindication may be a 2-bit element where a value of ‘00’ indicates thatthe UE is to use the implicitly determined HARQ resource 925, a value of‘01’ indicates that the UE is to use a first resource configured byhigher layers, a value of ‘10’ indicates that the UE is to use a secondresource configured by higher layers, and a value of ‘11’ indicates thatthe UE is to use a third resource configured by higher layers.Accordingly, the UE3 transmits its HARQ-ACK in slot 3 based on theindication. If the UE3 doesn't receive the indication, or if it is notconfigured with higher layer configured resources, the UE can send itsHARQ-ACK based on the implicitly determined resource. In an alternativeembodiment, the indication may indicate an offset (e.g., RB index offsetor HARQ resource index offset) to use when selecting the HARQ resource925.

FIG. 10 depicts a method 1000 for transmitting a short-duration uplinkchannel, according to embodiments of the disclosure. In someembodiments, the method 1000 is performed by an apparatus, such as theremote unit 105, the UE 205, and/or the user equipment apparatus 400. Incertain embodiments, the method 1000 may be performed by a processorexecuting program code, for example, a microcontroller, amicroprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, a FPGA, orthe like.

The method 1000 begins and receives 1005 a downlink schedulingassignment message assigning resources for data reception of a TB. Insome embodiments, the TB is received in the same slot as the firstuplink resource.

The method 1000 includes identifying 1010 a set of uplink resourcesallocated for a first uplink channel in a slot. In some embodiments,identifying 1010 includes receiving a DCI indicating the set ofresources allocated for the first uplink channel. In one embodiment,receiving the DCI includes receiving common DCI in a common controlregion of the slot. In certain embodiments, identifying 1010 a set ofuplink resources includes receiving a higher layer message configuring aset of HARQ-ACK resources.

The method 1000 includes determining 1015 a first uplink resource fromwithin the set of uplink resources. Here, the determination is based onone of: a RB index of a first assigned FRU of the TB, a lowest CCE indexof the downlink scheduling assignment message, a HARQ-ACK feedbackdelay, and a HARQ-ACK resource index/offset indicated in the downlinkscheduling assignment message.

In some embodiments, determining 1015 a first uplink resource includesdetermining a time-domain resource of the first uplink resource based onat least an ending TRU of the TB. In certain embodiments, determining1015 a first uplink resource includes identifying a HARQ-ACK resourceindex indicated in the downlink scheduling assignment message, whereinthe HARQ-ACK resource index indicates a specific resource from aconfigured set of HARQ-ACK resources.

In certain embodiments, the resources for data reception comprisemultiple TRUs and multiple FRUs corresponding to multiple TBs. Here,determining 1015 a first uplink resource includes determining an uplinkresource for each TB in response to receiving the TB. In one embodiment,the TRU is a slot comprising an integer number of OFDM symbols and theFRU is a resource block comprising 12 subcarriers.

The method 1000 includes transmitting 1020 the first uplink channel onthe first uplink resource conveying at least HARQ-ACK feedback for theTB, wherein the first uplink channel comprises one or two symbols, andthe method 1000 ends. Where the resources for data reception correspondto multiple TBs, then transmitting 1020 the first uplink channelincludes transmitting HARQ-ACK feedback for at least one TB prior toreceiving all TBs in the downlink resource assignment.

In certain embodiments, the remote unit receives scheduling informationto transmit a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in theslot, wherein the first uplink resource and the second uplink resourceat least partially overlap in the time domain. Here, the second uplinkresource is larger than the first uplink resource in the time domain. Insuch embodiments, transmitting 1020 the first uplink channel on thefirst uplink resource includes transmitting the first uplink channelduring the overlap time.

In one embodiment, the second uplink channel is also transmitted duringthe overlap time. For example, the first uplink channel and seconduplink channel may be intended for the same TRP. In another embodiment,the first uplink channel and second uplink channel may be intended fordifferent TRPs and the remote unit supports more than one transmitbeamforming weight at a given time instance. Where the remote unit isincapable of transmitting to two TRPs simultaneously (e.g., incapable ofmore than one transmit beamforming weight at a given time instance) orwhere the first uplink channel and second uplink channel are to betransmitted with different waveforms (e.g., OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM), thenthe transmitting 1020 the first uplink channel on the first uplinkresource includes transmitting only the first uplink channel during theoverlap time. In another embodiment, transmitting 1020 the first uplinkchannel on the first uplink resource includes multiplexing the firstuplink channel into the second uplink channel.

In certain embodiments, transmitting 1020 the first uplink channelcomprises transmitting immediately after transmitting a referencesignal. For example, the UE may receive the TB in a first OFDM symbol,and transition from DL-to-UL during a gap period. Moreover, thereference signal may be transmitted immediately after the gap period ina second OFDM symbol and using a different subcarrier spacing value thanused to transmit the first uplink channel. Accordingly, the first uplinkchannel is transmitted in a third OFDM symbol immediately following thereference signal, but using the same subcarrier spacing value as used tocommunicate the TB. Here, the reference signal subcarrier spacing valuemay be an integer multiple of the subcarrier spacing value used tocommunicate the TB and first uplink channel.

FIG. 11 depicts one embodiment of a method 1100 for transmitting anuplink channel, according to embodiments of the disclosure. In variousembodiments, the method 1100 is performed by the remote unit 105, the UE205, and/or the user equipment apparatus 400, described above. In someembodiments, the method 1100 is performed by a processor, such as amicrocontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processingunit, a FPGA, or the like.

The method 1100 begins and receives 1105 first scheduling information totransmit a first uplink channel on a first uplink resource in a slot.The method 1100 includes receiving 1110 second scheduling information totransmit a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in theslot. Here, the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource atleast partially overlap in the time domain. Additionally, the firstscheduling information is received later than the second schedulinginformation and the second uplink resource is larger than the firstuplink resource in the time domain. The method 1100 includestransmitting 1115 the first and second uplink channels, includingtransmitting the first uplink channel on the first uplink resourceincluding the overlap time and transmitting a part of the second uplinkchannel on a part of the second uplink resource excluding at least theoverlap time. The method 1100 ends.

FIG. 12 depicts one embodiment of a method 1200 for transmitting anuplink channel, according to embodiments of the disclosure. In variousembodiments, the method 1200 is performed by a UE, such as the remoteunit 105, the UE 205, and/or the user equipment apparatus 400, describedabove. In some embodiments, the method 1200 is performed by a processor,such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliaryprocessing unit, a FPGA, or the like.

The method 1200 begins and receives 1205 first scheduling information totransmit a first uplink channel on a first uplink resource in a slot.The method 1200 includes receiving 1210 second scheduling information totransmit a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in theslot. Here, the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource atleast partially overlap in the time domain, wherein the second uplinkresource is larger than the first uplink resource in the time domain.The method 1200 includes transmitting 1215 the first and second uplinkchannels during the overlap time. Here, the UE supports transmissionswith more than one transmit antenna panel at a given time instance,wherein the first uplink channel is transmitted with a first transmitantenna panel and the second uplink channel is transmitted with a secondtransmit antenna panel. The method 1200 ends.

Disclosed herein is a first apparatus for reporting power headroom,according to embodiments of the disclosure. The first apparatus may beimplemented by a UE, such as the remote unit 105, the UE 205, and/or theuser equipment apparatus 400. The first apparatus includes a transceiverthat communicates with a base unit in a mobile communication network.The first apparatus includes a processor that receives first schedulinginformation to transmit a first uplink channel on a first uplinkresource in a slot and receives second scheduling information totransmit a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in theslot. Here, the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource atleast partially overlap in the time domain. Additionally, the firstscheduling information is received later than the second schedulinginformation and the second uplink resource is larger than the firstuplink resource in the time domain. The processor transmits (e.g., viathe transceiver) the first uplink channel and second uplink channel,including transmitting the first uplink channel on the first uplinkresource including the overlap time and transmitting a part of thesecond uplink channel on a part of the second uplink resource excludingat least the overlap time.

In some embodiments, the first uplink channel carries at least one oflow-latency data and low-latency control information. In someembodiments, the first uplink channel contains one or two symbols in theslot. In some embodiments, the first method further includes receiving ahigher layer message configuring waveforms for the first and seconduplink channels, respectively and transmitting the first and seconduplink channels with the respective configured waveforms. In oneembodiment, the UE may be configured by higher layer signaling to use anOFDM waveform. In another embodiment, the UE may be configured by higherlayer signaling to use a DFT-S-OFDM waveform.

In some embodiments, receiving the first scheduling information totransmit the first uplink channel in the slot includes receiving adownlink scheduling assignment message assigning resources for datareception of a TB and identifying the first uplink resource for thefirst uplink channel in the slot, the first uplink channel conveyingHARQ-ACK feedback for the TB. In certain embodiments, the first uplinkchannel is a PUCCH. In such embodiments, identifying the first uplinkresource for the first uplink channel in the slot further includes:receiving a higher layer message configuring a set of PUCCH resources,determining the slot based on an ending slot of the TB, and determiningthe first uplink resource from the set of PUCCH resources based on DCI,including the downlink scheduling assignment message and the lowest CCEindex of the DCI.

In some embodiments, the UE supports a transmission with a singletransmit antenna panel at a given time instance. In certain embodiments,transmitting the first and second uplink channels includes transmittingthe first uplink channel and the second uplink channel with differenttransmit antenna panels.

Disclosed herein is a first method for reporting power headroom,according to embodiments of the disclosure. The first method may beperformed by a UE, such as the remote unit 105, the UE 205, and/or theuser equipment apparatus 400. The first method includes receiving firstscheduling information to transmit a first uplink channel on a firstuplink resource in a slot and receiving second scheduling information totransmit a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in theslot. Here, the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource atleast partially overlap in the time domain. Additionally, the firstscheduling information is received later than the second schedulinginformation and the second uplink resource is larger than the firstuplink resource in the time domain. The first method includestransmitting the first and second uplink channels, includingtransmitting the first uplink channel on the first uplink resourceincluding the overlap time and transmitting a part of the second uplinkchannel on a part of the second uplink resource excluding at least theoverlap time.

In some embodiments, the first uplink channel carries at least one oflow-latency data and low-latency control information. In someembodiments, the first uplink channel contains one or two symbols in theslot. In some embodiments, the first method further includes receiving ahigher layer message configuring waveforms for the first and seconduplink channels, respectively and transmitting the first and seconduplink channels with the respective configured waveforms. In oneembodiment, the UE may be configured by higher layer signaling to use anOFDM waveform. In another embodiment, the UE may be configured by higherlayer signaling to use a DFT-S-OFDM waveform.

In some embodiments, receiving the first scheduling information totransmit the first uplink channel in the slot includes receiving adownlink scheduling assignment message assigning resources for datareception of a TB and identifying the first uplink resource for thefirst uplink channel in the slot, the first uplink channel conveyingHARQ-ACK feedback for the TB. In certain embodiments, the first uplinkchannel is a PUCCH. In such embodiments, identifying the first uplinkresource for the first uplink channel in the slot includes: receiving ahigher layer message configuring a set of PUCCH resources, determiningthe slot based on an ending slot of the TB, and determining the firstuplink resource from the set of PUCCH resources based on DCI, includingthe downlink scheduling assignment message and the lowest CCE index ofthe DCI.

In some embodiments, the UE supports a transmission with a singletransmit antenna panel at a given time instance. In certain embodiments,transmitting the first and second uplink channels includes transmittingthe first uplink channel and the second uplink channel with differenttransmit antenna panels.

Disclosed herein is a second apparatus for reporting power headroom,according to embodiments of the disclosure. The second apparatus may beimplemented by a UE, such as the remote unit 105, the UE 205, and/or theuser equipment apparatus 400. The second apparatus includes atransceiver that communicates with a base unit in a mobile communicationnetwork and a processor that receives first scheduling information totransmit a first uplink channel on a first uplink resource in a slot andreceives second scheduling information to transmit a second uplinkchannel on a second uplink resource in the slot. Here, the first uplinkresource and the second uplink resource at least partially overlap inthe time domain, wherein the second uplink resource is larger than thefirst uplink resource in the time domain. The processor transmits (e.g.,via the transceiver) the first and second uplink channels during theoverlap time. Here, the UE supports transmissions with more than onetransmit antenna panel at a given time instance, wherein the firstuplink channel is transmitted with a first transmit antenna panel andthe second uplink channel is transmitted with a second transmit antennapanel.

In some embodiments, the first uplink channel is a physical uplinkshared channel. In some embodiments, the first uplink channel is for afirst TRP and the second uplink channel is for a second TRP, wherein thefirst TRP is different than the second TRP.

In some embodiments, receiving the first scheduling information totransmit the first uplink channel in the slot includes: receiving adownlink scheduling assignment message assigning resources for datareception of a TB and identifying the first uplink resource for thefirst uplink channel in the slot, the first uplink channel conveyingHARQ-ACK feedback for the TB.

In certain embodiments, the first uplink channel may be a PUCCH. In suchembodiments, identifying the first uplink resource for the first uplinkchannel in the slot includes: receiving a higher layer messageconfiguring a set of PUCCH resources, determining the slot based on anending slot of the TB, and determining the first uplink resource fromthe set of PUCCH resources based on DCI, including the downlinkscheduling assignment message and the lowest CCE index of the DCI.

Disclosed herein is a second method for reporting power headroom,according to embodiments of the disclosure. The second method may beperformed by a UE, such as the remote unit 105, the UE 205, and/or theuser equipment apparatus 400. The second method includes receiving firstscheduling information to transmit a first uplink channel on a firstuplink resource in a slot and receiving second scheduling information totransmit a second uplink channel on a second uplink resource in theslot. Here, the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource atleast partially overlap in the time domain, wherein the second uplinkresource is larger than the first uplink resource in the time domain.The second method includes transmitting the first and second uplinkchannels during the overlap time. Here, the UE supports transmissionswith more than one transmit antenna panel at a given time instance,wherein the first uplink channel is transmitted with a first transmitantenna panel and the second uplink channel is transmitted with a secondtransmit antenna panel.

In some embodiments, the first uplink channel is a physical uplinkshared channel. In some embodiments, the first uplink channel is for afirst TRP and the second uplink channel is for a second TRP, wherein thefirst TRP is different than the second TRP.

In some embodiments, receiving the first scheduling information totransmit the first uplink channel in the slot includes: receiving adownlink scheduling assignment message assigning resources for datareception of a TB and identifying the first uplink resource for thefirst uplink channel in the slot, the first uplink channel conveyingHARQ-ACK feedback for the TB.

In certain embodiments, the first uplink channel may be a PUCCH. In suchembodiments, identifying the first uplink resource for the first uplinkchannel in the slot includes: receiving a higher layer messageconfiguring a set of PUCCH resources, determining the slot based on anending slot of the TB, and determining the first uplink resource fromthe set of PUCCH resources based on DCI, including the downlinkscheduling assignment message and the lowest CCE index of the DCI.

Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, at a userequipment (“UE”), first scheduling information to transmit a firstuplink channel on a first uplink resource in a slot; receiving secondscheduling information to transmit a second uplink channel on a seconduplink resource in the slot, wherein the first uplink resource and thesecond uplink resource at least partially overlap in the time domain,wherein the second uplink resource is larger than the first uplinkresource in the time domain; and transmitting the first and seconduplink channels, comprising transmitting the first uplink channel on thefirst uplink resource including the overlap time and transmitting a partof the second uplink channel on a part of the second uplink resourceexcluding at least the overlap time, wherein the first schedulinginformation is received later than the second scheduling information. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the first uplink channel carries at leastone of low-latency data and low-latency control information.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first uplink channel comprises one or twosymbols in the slot.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving thefirst scheduling information to transmit the first uplink channel in theslot further comprises: receiving a downlink scheduling assignmentmessage assigning resources for data reception of a transport block(“TB”), and identifying the first uplink resource for the first uplinkchannel in the slot, the first uplink channel conveying HARQ-ACKfeedback for the TB.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first uplinkchannel is a physical uplink control channel (“PUCCH”), and whereinidentifying the first uplink resource for the first uplink channel inthe slot further comprises: receiving a higher layer message configuringa set of PUCCH resources; determining the slot based on an ending slotof the TB, and determining the first uplink resource from the set ofPUCCH resources based on downlink control information (“DCI”) includingthe downlink scheduling assignment message and the lowest controlchannel element (“CCE”) index of the DCI.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the method further comprises: receiving a higher layer messageconfiguring waveforms for the first and second uplink channels,respectively, and transmitting the first and second uplink channels withthe respective configured waveforms.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe UE supports a transmission with a single transmit antenna panel at agiven time instance.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein transmitting thefirst and second uplink channels comprises transmitting the first uplinkchannel and the second uplink channel with different transmit antennapanels.
 9. An apparatus comprising: a transceiver that communicates witha base unit in a mobile communication network; and a processor that:receives first scheduling information to transmit a first uplink channelon a first uplink resource in a slot; receives second schedulinginformation to transmit a second uplink channel on a second uplinkresource in the slot, wherein the first uplink resource and the seconduplink resource at least partially overlap in the time domain, whereinthe second uplink resource is larger than the first uplink resource inthe time domain; and transmits the first uplink channel and seconduplink channel, comprising transmitting the first uplink channel on thefirst uplink resource including the overlap time and transmitting a partof the second uplink channel on a part of the second uplink resourceexcluding at least the overlap time, wherein the first schedulinginformation is received later than the second scheduling information.10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first uplink channel carriesat least one of low-latency data and low-latency control information.11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein receiving the first schedulinginformation to transmit the first uplink channel in the slot comprises:receiving a downlink scheduling assignment message assigning resourcesfor data reception of a transport block (“TB”); and identifying thefirst uplink resource for the first uplink channel in the slot, thefirst uplink channel conveying HARQ-ACK feedback for the TB.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the first uplink channel is a physicaluplink control channel (“PUCCH”), and wherein identifying the firstuplink resource for the first uplink channel in the slot comprises:receiving a higher layer message configuring a set of PUCCH resources;determining the slot based on an ending slot of the TB; and determiningthe first uplink resource from the set of PUCCH resources based ondownlink control information (“DCI”) including the downlink schedulingassignment message and the lowest control channel element (“CCE”) indexof the DCI.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus supportsa single transmit beam direction at a given time instance, whereintransmitting the first and second uplink channels comprises transmittingthe first uplink channel and the second uplink channel with differenttransmit beam directions.
 14. A method comprising: receiving, at a userequipment (“UE”), first scheduling information to transmit a firstuplink channel on a first uplink resource in a slot; receiving secondscheduling information to transmit a second uplink channel on a seconduplink resource in the slot, wherein the first uplink resource and thesecond uplink resource at least partially overlap in the time domain,wherein the second uplink resource is larger than the first uplinkresource in the time domain; transmitting the first and second uplinkchannels during the overlap time, wherein the UE supports transmissionswith more than one transmit antenna panels at a given time instance,wherein the first uplink channel is transmitted with a first transmitantenna panel and the second uplink channel is transmitted with a secondtransmit antenna panel.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the firstuplink channel is a physical uplink shared channel.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the first uplink channel is for a first transmissionand reception point (“TRP”) and the second uplink channel is for asecond TRP, wherein the first TRP is different than the second TRP. 17.The method of claim 14, wherein receiving the first schedulinginformation to transmit the first uplink channel in the slot furthercomprises: receiving a downlink scheduling assignment message assigningresources for data reception of a transport block (“TB”), andidentifying the first uplink resource for the first uplink channel inthe slot, the first uplink channel conveying HARQ-ACK feedback for theTB.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first uplink channel is aphysical uplink control channel (“PUCCH”), and wherein identifying thefirst uplink resource for the first uplink channel in the slot furthercomprises: receiving a higher layer message configuring a set of PUCCHresources; determining the slot based on an ending slot of the TB, anddetermining the first uplink resource from the set of PUCCH resourcesbased on downlink control information (“DCI”) including the downlinkscheduling assignment message and the lowest control channel element(“CCE”) index of the DCI.
 19. An apparatus comprising: a transceiverthat communicates with a base unit in a mobile communication network;and a processor that: receives first scheduling information to transmita first uplink channel on a first uplink resource in a slot; receivessecond scheduling information to transmit a second uplink channel on asecond uplink resource in the slot, wherein the first uplink resourceand the second uplink resource at least partially overlap in the timedomain, wherein the second uplink resource is larger than the firstuplink resource in the time domain; and transmits the first uplinkchannel and second uplink channel, wherein the apparatus supportstransmissions with more than one transmit antenna panels at a given timeinstance, wherein the first uplink channel is transmitted with a firsttransmit antenna panel and the second uplink channel is transmitted witha second transmit antenna panel.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, whereinthe first uplink channel is for a first transmission and reception point(“TRP”) and the second uplink channel is for a second TRP, wherein thefirst TRP is different than the second TRP.